Transcript Highlights:

• She's the chairwoman of the State Parole Board. Good morning. I am Ladeidra Jones.
• I'm the chair of the Kentucky Parole Board. Thank you. Is there a committee sub?
• cases heard by a parole board.
• <00:16:04.600> Board because of the position the Parole Board because of the position the
• number of parole cases heard by a parole number of parole cases heard by a parole board.<00:16:35.320

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. First, it heard House Bill 264, which would add real estate scams to theft by deception law by covering fraudulent sale, lease, or rental of commercial or residential property. Representative Proctor said the measure responds to growing real estate fraud and was intended to help law enforcement address schemes where bad actors list property they do not own. The committee approved the bill 18-0 and reported it favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 58, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with automated license plate readers. Representative Hodgson said the bill would limit retention of ALPR data to 90 days, with exceptions for active investigations, subpoenas, and certain insurance or financial contract uses, and would restrict sale or sharing of the data to protect privacy while preserving public safety uses. Members asked about differences in the substitute and whether the bill would affect work-zone safety cameras; Hodgson said it would not. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 19-0, with favorable expression. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 529, also with a committee substitute, concerning the Parole Board. The bill would set four-year terms for board members, allow a limited gubernatorial extension when needed to avoid too many expirations in one year, and permit panels of two or more members to decide parole cases. The Parole Board chair testified that smaller panels are needed to handle the board’s heavy caseload more efficiently and avoid administrative delays. Members discussed a minor wording change in the substitute and the emergency status of the bill due to vacancies. The committee passed HB 529 20-0 with one pass vote, then adopted a title amendment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes important updates to the parole board statute.
• It also expressly authorizes parole board members to receive per diem reimbursement for closed parole
• She's the parole board director.
• She's the parole board director.
• We put that back in, that the executive would have the power to remove parole board members.

Bills: SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records, health care providers, repeal, New Mexico, pregnancy termination, abortion data, state reporting requirements, confidentiality, reproductive health, parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I have the opportunity to see the parole board as an emerging adult.
• Years ago, somebody committed an offense, and the parole board acted harshly and violated everybody that
• you have so many obligations to a parole board that, you know, seems so unfair, like... ...to a parole
• The parole board also has deemed those who get parole no longer a public safety risk.
• They should not be punished for the rest of their lives, especially when the parole board has said that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Bills: SB1687, HB1687, HB4431, HB2894, HB2979, HB3262, HB3298, HB3369, HB3431, HB3462, SB1226, SB1876, SB1916, SB1920, HB3467, HB3498, HB3500, HB3521, HB3581, HB3650, HB3673, HB3764, HB3767, HB3781, HB3800, HB3831, HB3834, HB3941, HB2749, HB3970, HB3972, HB3979, HB3980, HB3981, HB3996, HB4095, HB4104, HB4191, HB4248, HB4298, HB4338, HB4427, HB4428, HJR1023, HB3660, HB3718, HB4326, HB3443, HB3880, HB3649, HB3000, SB1651, SB504, SB372, SB1326, SB1633, SB248, SB1242, SB1238, SB423, SB1989, SB1286, SB904, SB1213, SB1216, SB1827, SB65, SB1390, SB259, SB1944, SB540, SB2139, SB346, SB1595, SB1400, SB1555, SB1209, SB2110, SB1670, SB1061, SB2104, HR1057, SB1946, SB1734, SB1316, SB1360, SB1557, SB1684, SB2049, SB1410, SB2011, SB1437, SB1204, SB1732, SB1775, SB2084, SB1380, SB1572, SB1772, SB1224, SB710, SB1338, SB1266, SB1303, SB1307, SB1562, SB1794, SB1191, SB1983, SB1832, SB1448, SB1534, SB1593, SB1597, SB1630, SB1489, SB1726, SB1796, SB1806, SB1877, SB1451, SB1553, SB1632, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB2180, SB1725, SB2182, HB3003, HB3004, HB4434, HB4324, HB4342, HB2137, HB4432, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized Eileen Cooper Grubbs as Nurse of the Day. The chamber then took up several procedural items, including second-reading referrals of Senate Joint Resolutions 50, 52, and 53 to Administrative Rules. Speaker Hilbert also announced the House would continue working despite uncertainty about action in the other chamber, and members were told dinner had been ordered for a long day of floor work. On legislation, the House rejected Senate amendments to House Bill 1728 and House Bill 3021 and requested conference on both. It adopted Senate amendments to House Bill 2137, a criminal procedure bill, and then passed the bill. The House also approved a motion by Speaker Hilbert to override the governor’s veto of House Bill 4432, with a recorded vote of 68-15, allowing the bill to become law notwithstanding the governor’s objections. The House then adopted House Concurrent Resolution 1028, which authorizes the House or Senate to modify legislative deadlines for the remainder of the 60th Legislature. Members discussed that the change was intended to keep legislation moving while the Senate was not meeting and to preserve the ability to hear bills and return them between chambers. The resolution passed after a recorded vote of 77-4. Finally, the House suspended certain rules for the rest of the session by a 68-15 vote and recessed until 1 p.m., with a reminder that the rural caucus would meet in Room 206.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3000 is the sunset of the Cosmetology Board and has some revisions to the board and a couple
• The amendment clarifies that notification will be sent from the Pardon and Parole Board to the victim's
• Senate Bill 1191 repeals the Oklahoma Energy low-carbon initiative board, a board that has no appointed
• members and a board that has never met.
• Please hold while we put it on the board.

Bills: SB1687, HB1687, HB4431, HB2894, HB2979, HB3262, HB3298, HB3369, HB3431, HB3462, SB1226, SB1876, SB1916, SB1920, HB3467, HB3498, HB3500, HB3521, HB3581, HB3650, HB3673, HB3764, HB3767, HB3781, HB3800, HB3831, HB3834, HB3941, HB2749, HB3970, HB3972, HB3979, HB3980, HB3981, HB3996, HB4095, HB4104, HB4191, HB4248, HB4298, HB4338, HB4427, HB4428, HJR1023, HB3660, HB3718, HB4326, HB3443, HB3880, HB3649, HB3000, SB1651, SB504, SB372, SB1326, SB1633, SB248, SB1242, SB1238, SB423, SB1989, SB1286, SB904, SB1213, SB1216, SB1827, SB65, SB1390, SB259, SB1944, SB540, SB2139, SB346, SB1595, SB1400, SB1555, SB1209, SB2110, SB1670, SB1061, SB2104, HR1057, SB1946, SB1734, SB1316, SB1360, SB1557, SB1684, SB2049, SB1410, SB2011, SB1437, SB1204, SB1732, SB1775, SB2084, SB1380, SB1572, SB1772, SB1224, SB710, SB1338, SB1266, SB1303, SB1307, SB1562, SB1794, SB1191, SB1983, SB1832, SB1448, SB1534, SB1593, SB1597, SB1630, SB1489, SB1726, SB1796, SB1806, SB1877, SB1451, SB1553, SB1632, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB2180, SB1725, SB2182, HB3003, HB3004, HB4434, HB4324, HB4342, HB2137, HB4432, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: driver licenses, exam proctor, Service Oklahoma, commercial training, background checks, advance directive, advance health care directive, health care proxy, medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care, living will, surrogate decision-maker, default surrogate, health care agent, capacity determination, supported decision making, mental health directive, psychiatric advance directive, end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatment

Summary: The House recognized several visitors and groups during the day, including the Norman North High School Cheer and Stunt Team, a student page, Bartlesville Day at the Capitol, and Leadership Elk City. The chamber then took up a long series of Senate amendments and final passage votes on a wide range of measures, with most amendments adopted without objection and many bills passing by wide margins. Topics included advanced health care directives, the Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act, motor vehicle and insurance changes, food truck fire suppression, foreign adversary land ownership restrictions, plumbing licensing reform, probate procedure, financial institutions, riots, Medicaid, court reporters, public finance, district attorney recruitment incentives, child care, the Oklahoma Brine Development Act, adjunct teachers, workers’ compensation, and other technical or policy updates. Several bills drew substantive debate. The Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act prompted questions about the additional $15 million funding tranche, return on investment, and the use of out-of-state fund managers; supporters said the program had created thousands of jobs and generated strong tax revenue, while opponents criticized the lack of independent ROI data and transparency. House Bill 3500 on probate procedure also drew questions about a nine-month deadline for successor affidavits, with the author saying the change would prevent a “gotcha” that could defeat a decedent’s wishes. House Bill 3660 on natural organic reduction was the subject of extended debate, with supporters arguing for personal freedom and rejecting claims about misuse of the resulting material, while opponents raised concerns about the practice and its regulation. The House passed most measures by comfortable margins, including bills on advanced health care directives, professions and occupations, motor vehicles, Medicaid, insurance, child care, court reporters, public finance, and criminal law. A few measures failed or were reconsidered: Senate Bill 1916 initially failed on a 46-39 vote, but the House later voted to reconsider and then passed it on reconsideration. Several bills also carried emergency clauses, which were adopted where required by two-thirds votes. The session ended with the House still considering debate on House Bill 3660 after the chamber had recessed and returned to order.

Transcript Highlights:

• board, which can decide either to parole them or keep them exactly where they are.
• I don't think there are any soft touches on our parole board.
• <00:54:37.119> board<00:54:38.079> uh make their case to the parole board uh make their
• touches on our parole touches on our parole board<00:54:48.760> uh<00:54:49.119> so
• c><00:58:38.079> just case to the parole board um and I just case to the parole board um and I

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And once a case goes over to the parole board, again, there’s no timeline.
• And we need to put responsibility on the department and on the parole board to do their part.
• Erishek: Was used to be with the parole board.
• So parole has the parole board has often heard inmates come up for hearing two to three times in one
• So parole has the parole board<02:22:40.640> has<02:22:40.880> often<02:22:41.280> heard

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , I'll call it generally, Zoom, with the Board of Pardons and Paroles when their term comes up to be
• Uh, so it gives more information to the parole board to consider.
• He was killed, and the family would go to the parole board and speak up against him getting parole, and
• <00:14:14.399> board<00:14:14.959> and family would go to the parole board and family
• It also give the board more of parole.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The parole board is three times more likely to deny... ...release.
• The Parole Board is three times more likely to deny than grant someone parole, and they are even less
• In 2025, the Parole Board granted parole in less than 25% of cases.
• Parole Board decisions are bound by the... ...time period resulted in a grant of parole.
• And not trying to limit the ability of the Board of Parole Commissioners to consider parole suitability

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hibbon, former Executive Director of Bridges Humward, and currently a special member of the parole board
• Director of Bridges Humward and currently a special member of the parole board.
• with the parole board and came out of a DOC institution, and another individual who is done with the
• And it ran pretty much like a parole board.
• After a parole board already gave me a parole room. I don't understand that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias. DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months. UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states. Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not eliminate elderly parole, nor does it change the Board of Parole Hearings' responsibility
• The Parole Board is three times more likely to deny. Release.
• The Parole Board is three times more likely to deny than grant someone parole, and they are even less
• In 2025, the Parole Board granted parole in less than 25% of cases.
• It is not trying to limit the ability of the Board of Parole Commissioners to consider parole suitability

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• be notified by the pardons and parole... ...notified by the pardons and parole for those individuals
• An individual may submit the form to the board of... ...the form to the board of... Mr.
• If you strike all that out, it just is requiring the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Secretary of
• But the notification is on the site of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
• I'm going to check with Pardons and Parole... Going to check with Pardons and Parole on this.

Bills: HB265, HB146, SB254, HB202, HB3, HB42, SB18

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, illegal alien, enhanced sentencing, criminal offenses, minor victims, felonies, Alabama legislature, bail reform, cash deposit

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
• board on parole or mandatory supervision.
• As you'll hear in a little bit, the parole board is a separate entity.
• I'm chair. of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
• So on that same note, the parole. board has Marsha Moberly Board of Pardons and Pearls.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, today we have the business of confirming an appointee to the State Parole Board
• Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, who has been appointed to the State Parole Board.
• Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, who has been appointed to the State Parole Board.
• as a member of the parole board. as a member of the parole board. Correct. Correct. Correct.
• because I need to report to the parole because I need to report to the parole board<00:05:07.480

Keywords: Corrections - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met to consider the confirmation of Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, to the State Parole Board, effective November 17, 2025. Early in the meeting, members exchanged remarks about Chairman Barnett’s recovery and noted that the committee could continue operating under the current provision until next year, when any needed statutory changes could be addressed. Ms. Perkins testified that she has 19 years of experience with the Department of Public Safety, where she maintained law enforcement records, vetted officers from other jurisdictions, and worked with the Attorney General’s Office and State Auditor’s Office on investigations. Members raised and resolved a question about whether she was still employed elsewhere; Perkins explained she had adjusted her last day of employment to avoid a conflict, and the committee indicated the issue had been rectified. A Rankin County supporter also spoke in her favor, saying her public safety background would make her effective on the board. Members questioned Perkins about the role of the parole board and whether she understood the need to balance public safety with reducing incarceration costs. Perkins said the board does not re-sentence offenders, but determines whether they are fit to return to society, and that she would carefully review background, psychological evaluations, and behavior while incarcerated. One member asked about statutory training requirements, and Perkins said she was scheduled to attend training for newly appointed parole board members in June. The committee then voted to advise and consent to the appointment, and the motion passed. A subsequent motion to advise and report was also made and approved, and Perkins was congratulated and thanked for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Provided when I came on board, our Parole Board team, the executive team, comprises staff members from
• The Parole Board has made significant strides in meeting this mission.
• We held 85 medical parole board hearings, granting releases in 5.8% of cases, thanks to the enhanced
• Of the 37, the Board conducted hearings for 26 eligible inmates. and granted parole to nine of those
• the rules that guide both Parole Board members and the public regarding the Board's function.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the- and the Board of Pardons and Parole for the 26th and 27th biennium.
• The budget for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. I kind of got all jumbled there.
• My name is Marsha Maverly and I am chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
• And thank you for making that comment and we recognize at the Pearl Board along with the parole division
• Parole parole commissioners and board members come on there's a required process and all of them are

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shifting gears a little bit, I'm also the analyst for the Parole Board. I'll keep this quick.
• I am sitting in as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Parole Board.
• During this period, the parole achieved significant and others board on the COVID-19 pandemic and its
• that continues today despite limited staffing, onboarding of new parole board members and increasing
• And do you need more days from the board? Because we only have parole board Ravis and Jeremy B.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to 24 months, giving the parole board and the Department of Corrections a more flexible timeline to
• Under current law, the board may conditionally grant parole pending completion of programming or other
• parole board and the Department of Corrections a more flexible timeline to grow grantees to complete
• HB 394 simply gives the parole board an additional tool to make the best decisions possible.
• Just wanted to verify that currently the board obviously can grant conditional parole.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 559, an act relating to the parole H. 559, an act relating to the parole board. board. board.
• governance structure of the parole governance structure of the parole board. board. board.
• <01:36:37.000> board in order to simplify the parole board in order to simplify the parole
• c> the with the parole board director and the with the parole board director and the chair<01:37:
• Board, Chair of the Vermont Parole Board, Member of the Vermont Parole Board, and the sponsor of the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Victims and their families would continue to have a voice in the process, and the parole board would
• Victims and their families would continue to have a voice in the process, and the parole board would
• On the parole board review of individuals already serving their sentence, the bill says the board need
• board likely would demonstrate who have committed serious crimes, heinous crimes, and the parole board
• Now these inmates have the opportunity to go before the parole board and present their mitigating factors

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.