Video & Transcript Research : 'false reporting'
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- A motion for a favorable report. Is there a second? A motion for a favorable report.
- I got a motion and a second for a favorable report.
- name or false identification forms.
- Meaning if you give a false social security number, you give a false name; those are the...
- The other lying would be if you make a false report.
Keywords:
jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, firearm possession, domestic violence, violent offenses, criminal penalties, pretrial detention, bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 1013 is reported favorably. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Thank you.
- A misdiagnosis led to false accusations against me.
- False allegations ...their child without a right to a second medical opinion.
- By your votes, PCS for HB 511 is reported favorably.
- These recommendations were voted on and included in the final report.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 1013, relating to crisis care coordination, would create a pilot program in Polk and Volusia counties to connect people who have had Baker Act-related crises with follow-up counseling, assessments, and outpatient services through partnerships between law enforcement and community providers. The sponsor said the program has reduced repeat Baker Act commitments in Polk County, and the committee adopted a strike-all amendment moving the pilot to a different statute, formalizing partnerships, and requiring an independent DCF evaluation due in January 2029. The bill drew support from mental health and justice advocates and passed unanimously.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 511, which addresses child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses. Sponsors and several parents, attorneys, and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially treated as abuse but later linked to conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, metabolic bone disease, or other medical fragility. They argued the bill would require notice of the right to a second medical opinion, better consideration of preexisting conditions and medical records, and more coordination before reports are sent to law enforcement, while still preserving protections for abused children. Members expressed sympathy for the families and emphasized the need for fairness and accurate medical review; the bill passed 17-0.
Finally, HB 1439, based on recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, was presented as a broader mental health and substance use disorder measure focused on crisis response, access to care, and workforce development. An amendment aligned the bill more closely with commission recommendations, including assessment tools, trauma-informed practices, school-based behavioral health access, telehealth, discharge planning, and long-acting injectable treatment access. The commission chair testified that the bill reflected a vetted set of recommendations from subject matter experts and commissioners, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/31/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- What this bill does is add to the false reports to law enforcement officer statute two sections.
- <01:20:00.040>
reports <01:20:00.400>to <01:20:00.560>law add to the false reports - to law add to the false reports to law enforcement<01:20:01.239>
officer <01:20:01.800>statute - claim a false is to make a false claim a false allegation<01:27:57.440>
against <01:27:57.719>< - as well false reports of to law as well false reports of to law enforcement<01:32:20.920>
thank
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- More often than not, efforts to consolidate power over elections begin with false claims of fraud or
- These<00:09:08.600>
false <00:09:08.880>claims <00:09:09.280>were <00:09:09.400>< - c> supercharged<00:09:10.160>
by These false claims were supercharged by These false claims - claims of fraud or criminal with false claims of fraud or criminal activity. activity. activity.
- by false claims of rampant voter fraud. by false claims of rampant voter fraud.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/20/25 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Conference Committee reports. Conference Committee report.
- Conference Committee reports. Conference Committee report.
- The report is recommend as follows.
- I move that we adopt the conference committee report.
- Madam Speaker, are there any conference committee reports available at the desk?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 48 will be reported favorably. Thank you, Senator Garcia.
- So, as the legislature provided, we then arrested that individual, the lying landlord, for false reports
- And we spend money to educate the public on what to expect and how to report misconduct.
- The referee files that report with the Supreme Court.
- So again, we can, as states, regulate speech that's false or misleading.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present.
The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording.
The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. ...as reported, Senator McLean.
- My career was abruptly taken away from me because my domestic abuser filed false police reports and encouraged
- By your vote, CS for SB 890 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, CS for SB 928 is reported favorably. SB 928 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, CS for SB 812 is reported favorably.
Keywords:
sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously.
The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support.
Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- is provide important information about firearm laws here in Delaware, safe storage requirements, reporting
- can face civil liability. ...and an officer who knowingly violates it can face civil liability for false
- I am happy to report that this bill is supported by the Department of Justice and ODS.
- We especially support the strengthened standards around the use of prior false accusations.
- We especially support the strengthened standards around the use of prior false accusations.
Keywords:
HB372, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware courts, Title 10, court administration, judicial staffing, county courts, Kent County, New Castle County, Sussex County, Wilmington, 24-hour hearings, court locations, court hours, magistrate court, access to justice, court consolidation, Delaware General Assembly, destructive weapon, possessing a destructive weapon
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, courts, and family law. House Bill 141, with House Amendment 1, would require the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a firearm responsibilities notice for firearm purchasers through licensed dealers, covering Delaware gun laws, safe storage, lost/stolen reporting, straw purchases, suicide prevention, and other safety responsibilities. Testimony from the NRA, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, Moms Demand Action, the Coalition for Safer Delaware, and Delaware State Police was uniformly supportive, emphasizing education, standardized dealer practices, and potential evidence for straw-purchase prosecutions. No committee questions were raised, and the bill was moved forward after public comment.
House Bill 326 would create a new offense for theft by impersonating a family member, aimed at scams involving spoofed calls, texts, or online messages that pressure victims to send money. The sponsor described the bill as a response to increasingly sophisticated fraud enabled by artificial intelligence, and noted that a House amendment removed an original mandatory minimum jail term, leaving sentencing to the courts. No public testimony was offered on the bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 would prohibit civil arrests inside courthouses and certain Department of Labor proceedings, with the sponsor arguing that such arrests deter people from coming to court or seeking protection; the bill would allow criminal arrests and civil arrests only with advance written notice. No testimony was taken on that measure.
Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Responders Act, would create a narrowly tailored offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of first responders at emergency scenes after crossing a barrier or ignoring warnings, if done to interfere, threaten, or harass. Supporters, including police, fire service, and sportsmen’s groups, said it would protect responders and preserve emergency operations, while the Office of Defense Services opposed it on First Amendment and overbreadth grounds, arguing existing laws already cover much of the conduct. Senate Bill 304 would amend Delaware’s safe school zone law to allow private schools to use trained, vetted sentries or similar security arrangements; supporters said it would give smaller private schools an affordable safety option, while the sponsor said the bill needed more work and should not move forward yet. The committee also heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 314, which would clarify how courts handle evidence that a sexual assault complainant previously made a false allegation; DOJ and ODS said the substitute reflects a consensus approach, and YWCA Delaware supported it as a survivor-protective reform.
Finally, Senate Bill 343 would expand methods for serving child support respondents in Family Court by authorizing service through certified mail and carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, addressing cases where people avoid in-person service using doorbell cameras and other technology. The Division of Child Support Services supported the bill as a practical update that would improve timeliness while preserving proof-of-delivery safeguards. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made and seconded, and the chair adjourned the session.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 11, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:49.520>
Um a false post-election ballot audit. - Um a false post-election ballot audit.
- ,<00:09:32.320>
fictitious makes any materially false, fictitious makes any materially false - enumerating that submitting a false enumerating that submitting a false post-election<00:10:03.760
- <00:13:09.279>
document submitting or filing a a false document submitting or filing a a false
Keywords:
voting, elections, electronic voting systems, transparency, public testing, voter registration, qualified elector, residency requirements, voting rights, mortgage modification, priority, electronic signatures, real property, financial covenants, 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee on Judiciary, to which was referred House Bill 109FN, an act relative to false reports
- <03:57:43.120>
reports <03:57:43.520>to <03:57:43.760>law regarding false reports - It targets only reports with knowledge that are false.
- It targets only reports with knowledge that are false.
- It targets only reports with knowledge that are false.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution and in addition to a false Constitution and in addition to a false narrative<01:01:
- against police brutality creates a false against police brutality creates a false narrative<01:04
- violence um and had to write a report violence um and had to write a report and<01:26:47.000>
- It's kind of like me reporting to a board.
- It's kind of like me reporting to a board.
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard an overview from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement on its community engagement awards program. Amber Cameron explained that the office supports partnerships across the university’s campuses and that nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards were evaluated by faculty and staff selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall application quality. She said the community partner award was based only on the nomination materials and described the award process, including that nominations could come from individuals, grassroots groups, or organizations and that the award carried a $5,000 prize.
The main discussion focused on the 2024 community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality. Cameron said the nomination documented a long-standing relationship with the university through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, including work in 130 course offerings over 24 years across 17 academic departments and participation by about 1,000 students. She cited examples from the nomination such as student research and policy work that contributed to Travis’s Law. Committee members questioned the organization’s age, its letterhead and public activism, the meaning of its relationship with the university, and whether the work was appropriate for an award. Cameron responded that the award did not require formal tax status and that her office facilitated the process rather than judging the organization’s broader views.
Members also asked for additional information on the vetting process, the courses involved, the award funding source, the ceremony, and related materials. Cameron said the awards were funded through OMN funding, that the program was being sunset and replaced with a new internal engaged-scholar awards structure, and that she would follow up on requests for documents, speaking notes, and other details. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee moved on after the testimony and questions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (11-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's just false.
- So that's just false.
- So that's just false.
- So that's just false.
- that these reports are based on. that these reports are based on.
Summary:
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on November 18, 2025, approved the October 14 minutes, and then took up five motions in ethics matters 24LEC3 and 24LEC6. Those motions included a renewed motion to dismiss and motion to quash by Representative Daniel Gberg, a renewed motion to compel/sanctions and continuance request by Mr. Jenkins, and competing motions in limine concerning evidence and redaction of deposition transcripts. Vice Chair Mike Schaw was appointed hearing officer for the motion practice, and the commission agreed to hear the motions one at a time in open session. Representative Chris Lily joined later by Zoom.
Counsel for Representative Gberg argued the remaining allegations were minor, that the commission lacked key exculpatory materials such as an alleged LRC report, policies, procedures, and training materials, and that the record did not support the ethics charges. She also argued the case had been broadened by extraneous allegations and that the respondent had been unfairly prejudiced. Enforcement counsel responded that he had produced all materials in his possession, that any LRC materials were not in the commission’s custody, and that the commission’s probable-cause findings were based on sworn testimony and affidavits already in the record. He argued the motions to dismiss and for summary judgment should be denied because genuine issues of material fact remained and the commission had already found probable cause on three ethics violations.
Commission members questioned both sides about the alleged LRC report and whether it was part of the commission’s record. The chair stated the commission had not relied on any LRC report and had not withheld anything, while another member emphasized that the proceeding concerned alleged violations of the ethics code, not LRC sexual-harassment policy. A commissioner also noted the unusual structure of the proceeding and questioned whether the complaints, taken as true, stated a basis for dismissal. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the standard for dismissal and summary judgment, with no final ruling on the motions captured in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires a report to the Legislature and appropriates funds.
- It requires a report to the Legislature and appropriates funds.
- This is relating to false impersonation of union representatives.
- <00:05:17.759>
impersonation This is relating to false impersonation This is relating to false - Prohibits a person from falsely Prohibits a person from falsely impersonating<00:05:23.039>
an
Summary:
The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. SB 2198 would direct DLIR to study a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award program and report back to the Legislature; DLIR supported it so long as it did not affect its supplemental budget request. SB 2140 would authorize counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations; DLIR and labor representatives supported it as an added accountability tool, while the committee discussed whether state law alone was sufficient and whether counties would still need to pass their own ordinances. SB 3055 would prohibit falsely impersonating a union representative; union and labor groups strongly supported it, and UPW said it was open to amendments to address concerns raised by OPA. SB 3090, SB 3091, and SB 3092 were emergency appropriation bills for public employment cost items tied to collective bargaining and temporary hazard pay or salary adjustments for various bargaining units; agencies and unions generally supported moving them forward, and B&F said the amounts were still being finalized because negotiations were ongoing.
The committee also heard SB 2761, which would bar social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts if the platform knows the user is under 16. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, while CCIA and Meta opposed the bill, raising constitutional and First Amendment concerns and arguing that blanket bans could push teens to less regulated spaces online. Meta also said the bill’s carveouts were too narrow and would leave major platforms outside the scope of the restriction.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2198 with amendments, SB 2140 as is, SB 3055 with amendments adding a specific intent-to-deceive standard, SB 3090 with amendments, SB 3091 with amendments, SB 3092 with amendments, and SB 2761 with amendments adopting DCCA’s changes and noting potential First Amendment issues in the committee report. For the appropriation bills, the committee changed the effective date to January 1, 2077 as a placeholder. All recommendations were adopted, with reservations noted on SB 2761 from Senators Moriwaki, Fevella, and Ihara.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, it sounds like that the problem is malicious complaining and filing of false reports.
- Why don't we go after the people filing false reports?
- So first, use of force reports.
- Similar to complaints, separation reports and the exit information reported by separating officers are
- But in actuality, it could include things like use of force reports, incident reports, and potentially
Bills:
SB 15
Keywords:
law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 3 will be reported for everybody to the full Senate.
- Do I report that to the AG? report that to a DA? Do I report that to who?
- all seen with this technology and the false information that it can be released.
- For a false diagnosis like estrogen deficiency or a testosterone deficiency.
- Late October, 2023, a student at Aikens High School in Austin reported.
Keywords:
business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- That does not make them happy, and they are happy to investigate charges of false report. >> Okay.
- So, there's a criminal statute in New Hampshire called false report to law enforcement.
- So, it would be a false report if you gave it to law enforcement.
- So, it would be a false<04:20:27.760>
report <04:20:28.080>if <04:20:28.319>you < - report if you gave it to law false report if you gave it to law enforcement.<04:20:29.760>
So,
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted.
Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor.
Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- of our public resources by a false alarm.
- You know, people go out to try to deal with that false alarm.
- You are creating a false alarm that endangers people's lives.
- They're responding full force as they should be, but it's a false alarm.
- So, this is a hazard to public safety. by these false alarms being sent out. Follow up, thank you.
Bills:
HB1002, HB1250, HB2710, HB3008, HB3045, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB3695, HB3831, HB4107, HB4408
Keywords:
stalking, victim notification, law enforcement, harassment, penalties, criminal justice, protection orders, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund, grants, state funding, law enforcement technology, alcohol testing, drug influence, public safety, Board of Tests, accident response, motor vehicle, fire department, fee prohibition
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Massive reports of dosing errors, overdoses, and CR3, massive reports of dosing errors, overdoses, and
- court reporters.
- Increased reciprocity with national court reporter exams will increase the pool of qualified court reporters
- at a time when we face a shortage of court reporters.
- I'm the Executive Officer of the Court Reporters Board.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- report. It's more important than that. report. It's more important than that.
- report.
- It's our duty to read that report.
- their presentence investigation report. their presentence investigation report.
- And in that report, it that report.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 122, which would allow certain defendants who are caretakers of dependent children to ask a sentencing court to consider parenting classes and family counseling as part of an alternative sentence, alongside existing options like probation and treatment programs. Representative Nick Wilson, the House sponsor, said the bill was aimed at helping families affected by the opioid crisis, especially in Appalachia, and described it as a way to support parents who want to get clean and rebuild family stability. He emphasized that the bill would apply only on a defendant’s motion, would not be automatic, and would exclude violent offenders, domestic violence-related cases, child-victim cases, and cases where probation or similar relief is otherwise prohibited.
Committee members raised concerns that the bill could create a two-tiered system of justice or add unnecessary procedure because judges already consider family circumstances through presentence investigations and sentencing discretion. One senator said he would support the bill but worried it privileged defendants with children over those without. Another member argued the bill was unnecessary because judges and prosecutors already have these options available and because it could add another hearing to an already overloaded court system. Supporters responded that the family unit should be given greater weight and that the bill would simply make that consideration more explicit.
Judge Julie Ward, joined by Judge Jeremy Maddox, testified against the bill as written. She said judges already receive presentence reports, hear offender statements, and consider caregiving responsibilities, and that family court already addresses children’s needs when custody issues arise. Her main objections were that parenting services are not available in all communities, may cost money, and that the bill would require evidentiary hearings and potentially create equal protection problems by giving preferential treatment to caretakers. She urged the sponsors to work on revised language instead of passing the bill in its current form.
Senator Wheeler said he would vote for the bill and noted that a floor amendment would be offered to address access to confidential juvenile “J cases” in presentence reports, since probation and parole do not have that access. He said the amendment was intended to make sure sentencing judges have the information they need. The discussion ended without a final committee vote in the transcript, but the bill remained under consideration with possible amendment and further revision.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 3
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, please report the free conference committee report. >> Free conference committee report to House
- conference committee report. conference committee report.
- Report it by title only? >> Yes. Report 293 by title only.
- Report it by title only? Report it by title only?
- Report 293 by title only. >> Yes. Report 293 by title only.