Video & Transcript : 'offense' :

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FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our first bill for consideration is HB 91, probation for misdemeanor offenses, by Representative Rayner
  • It also revises the rankings for fleeing or attempting to elude crimes on the offense severity ranking
  • We have worked with lots of people here, but we have lowered the levels to where, on first offense, in
  • The amendment adjusts some things so they're not getting mandatory jail time on the first offense.
  • But they will on a second offense or higher. Ma'am. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 91, by Reps. Rayner and Jacques, would align probation rules for certain misdemeanor reckless driving cases involving controlled substances with existing DUI law, allowing up to 12 months of probation in those cases. The bill was described as a technical “glitch” fix and as supporting both accountability and treatment; it drew one supportive public appearance and passed 17-0, reported favorably. HB 113, by Rep. Chamberlin, sought to increase penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. Members raised concerns about unmarked vehicles, jurisdictional markings, and whether the bill could apply to drivers who slow down or stop for safety reasons when unsure a vehicle is police. Chamberlin said he was open to clarifying language and other amendments. A strike-all amendment was adopted that increased the penalty for fleeing in a patrol vehicle with lights and sirens from a third-degree to a second-degree felony, revised offense severity rankings, and added a 1.5 sentencing multiplier for second or subsequent offenses. The amended bill received supportive public testimony and passed 16-1, with Rep. Hart voting no, and was reported favorably as amended. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, would require the Department of Corrections to coordinate with professional boards under DBPR so inmates completing classes tied to licensure can receive credit toward those licenses after release. Supporters said the bill would help rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and give returning citizens a better path to employment. The bill had no amendments, received supportive public testimony, and passed unanimously 17-0, reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M.

Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:
  • In a second offense, there is 0 to 40 years for a second offense. a brief refresher on what House Bill
  • , there is 0 to 40 years for a offense, there is 0 to 40 years for a second<00:14:39.200><c> offense.
  • and 10 years for a second offense.
  • Thank you so much. years for a first offense years for a first offense and<00:14:56.600><c> um</c><00
  • </c> and um 10 years for a second offense. and um 10 years for a second offense.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (01/15/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and it needs 12 offenses.
  • So, would there be any comment or thought on how many speeding offenses, like minor speeding offenses
  • , like minor speeding speeding offenses, like minor speeding offenses,<00:44:48.880><c> someone</c><00
  • for a subsequent for the first offense for a subsequent offense<01:08:51.040><c> it's</c><01:08:51.199
  • Uh New Hampshire has to be offense.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • offenses by Senator Martin.
  • And it provides an offense level.
  • It increases the level of certain offenses of fleeing and eluding in the offense severity ranking chart
  • A second offense is upgraded to a second-degree felony.
  • Second offense, upgraded to a second degree felony.
Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Crime and Public Safety Feb 10th, 2026

Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there's an offense control number. Do you know where the offense control number comes from? No.
  • And if I get arrested, I get a fingerprint card taken for that offense, if it's a fingerprintable offense
  • And if I get arrested, I get a fingerprint card taken for that offense, if it's a fingerprintable offense
  • offenses.
  • They've committed one of these offenses. Where would they live?
Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2587, then voted the substitute do pass on an 18-0 roll call. The sponsor said the bill was updated to mirror federal law and included an emergency clause, with supporters noting it was intended to align Missouri law ahead of the FIFA World Cup and related public safety concerns. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2055 and voted it do pass 18-0 before moving on to public hearings. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2868, which would expand Missouri DNA collection to all felony arrests rather than the current narrower list of qualifying offenses. Representative Parker argued the change would help solve crimes and exonerate the innocent, citing Maryland v. King and examples from other states. Committee members raised concerns about juvenile language, privacy, the presumption of innocence, retention and destruction of samples, access to CODIS, and whether the bill should be limited to violent or higher-level felonies. Supporters, including victim Ashley Spence and other advocates, described how arrest-stage DNA collection helped identify a serial rapist and solve cold cases, while opponents Joshua Kieser and others argued the bill was overbroad, could be used as a fishing expedition, and should not apply before conviction. Missouri State Highway Patrol staff testified that the bill would add nearly 14,000 arrestees annually, could aid about 731 investigations each year, and would reduce confusion in current collection practices. The hearing also included detailed testimony about wrongful convictions, expungement safeguards, identical twins, and the difference between arrest, charge, and conviction. Several members said they supported the goal of helping victims but wanted narrower language or stronger guardrails, especially for nonviolent felonies. The hearing on HB 2868 was then closed, and the committee began hearing House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058, with the bill sponsors introducing themselves as the next items up.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Arrington has SB 676 on criminal offenses. Senator, you're recognized to explain the bill.
  • Senator Arrington has SB 676 on criminal offenses. Senator, you're recognized to explain the bill.
  • This bill also amends the offense severity ranking chart to rank new offenses created by the bill and
  • increase the ranking of the offense for fighting or baiting animals.
  • Last year, a Clay County man was arrested for... ...with other types of violent offenses.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills, most of them related to public safety, criminal justice, and privacy. The committee first heard SB 504, which authorizes local governments to allow code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies, and SB 506, its companion public-records exemption bill protecting certain body-camera recordings from disclosure. Members raised questions about notice to property owners and when cameras may be used; both bills were supported by local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after roll-call votes. The committee then approved CS for SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, which extends public-records protections to petitions for that injunction. Senator Sharif described the bills as filling a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories; supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The committee also favorably reported SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for involving minors in certain animal cruelty offenses, and SB 432, which adds 7OH to Schedule I, exempts approved veterinary xylazine products, and increases penalties for trafficking and candy-like xylazine products. Senator Osgood spoke in support of SB 432, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee approved SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, including shifting district medical examiner appointments to the commission and clarifying notification procedures for administrative complaints. All bills received favorable votes, with support statements or waivers from various state, local, and advocacy organizations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Mar 21st, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • McLaughlin owing to the authority of certain counties to adopt noise regulations creating criminal offense
  • 3327 by Hefner relates to the repealing of the affirmative defense, the prosecution, the criminal offense
  • the protection and detention of the juvenile who engages in delinquent conduct or commits a felony offense
  • HB 3425 by Capriglione relating to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses involving the unlawful
  • be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election, creating a criminal offense
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PSM Public Hearing 03-12-2025

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • He said many states have enshrined into statute limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses,
  • involving an individual with many violent tendencies and prior violent crimes, or could involve offensive
  • He said many states have enshrined into statute limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses,
  • and then later in statute, many states have enshrined limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses
  • and then later in statute, many states have enshrined limits on warrantless arrests for low-level offenses
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years. HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice. HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 1, 2025 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now we have CS for HB 1455, sexual offenses by persons previously convicted of sexual offenses by...
  • Specifically, a person who is previously convicted or had an adjudication withheld for a qualifying offense
  • This ensures Florida law reflects the severity of these offenses and continues to put our state front
  • Representative Jock, currently, if someone commits the offense of human trafficking, what is there, what
  • So specifically right now, as the law stands, if someone commits the criminal offense of sex trafficking
Summary: The committee heard three member bills. CS/HB 1095 would create a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program in Hillsborough County for probationers ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, with frequent testing, immediate arrest for violations, and a cap of 150 participants. An amendment removed the fiscal impact by eliminating an appropriation and directing any appropriated funds to the administering entity; the amendment and bill both passed, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/HB 1455 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders or predators who commit specified sexual offenses, including 10-year and 20-year minimums depending on the offense, with no gain time or discretionary early release. The only public testimony was in support from the Smart Justice Alliance. The committee approved the bill 11-1 and reported it favorably. CS/HB 1283 would make the sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital felony punishable by death or life imprisonment. Members questioned the fiscal impact, housing on death row, and how the death penalty process would work; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at the worst offenders and that current law already provides mandatory life for trafficking a child under 12. Public testimony included opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and support from the Smart Justice Alliance. After debate focused on constitutionality and the death penalty, the committee passed the bill 10-3 and reported it favorably.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The offenses covered, petty theft, vandalism, et cetera, are low level.
  • If you look at the offenses that are listed, these are offenses that should never have gone through an
  • Item 20, AB 2147 by Shiavo entitled Criminal Procedure, Jurisdiction of Public Offenses.
  • My guiding principle in this work is responsible compassion, a balance. offenses.
  • Let me repeat: the most serious domestic violence offenses.
Summary: The committee heard a large public safety agenda and began by announcing several bills off calendar and limiting testimony to two witnesses per side. The first major item was AB 2698, which would authorize local governments to create youth court diversion programs for first-time juvenile offenders. The author and supporters, including Bakersfield Police Department representatives and a student participant, described the program as restorative, record-clearing, and successful in Bakersfield. Opponents argued it was not true diversion because it occurs after adjudication, could widen system involvement, and should instead be replaced by pre-arrest community-based diversion. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations, but remained on call with some members not voting. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of ten bills without opposition. The committee then heard AB 1959, which would create a narrow exception allowing resentencing in adult court for certain violent juvenile offenders in a case arising from the Santana High School shooting. The author, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and a survivor/city councilmember argued the bill would close a loophole that could lead to resentencing and early release despite parole denials. Several organizations registered opposition or opposed unless amended, but many noted they were reviewing the amended version. The bill was moved due pass as amended to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1628, extending California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days, drew broad support from the author, firefighters, medical and child welfare groups, and no opposition; it was moved due pass to Human Services and remained on call. The committee also approved AB 1974, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to create voluntary temporary firearm storage programs. The author and supporters from San Francisco law enforcement, Giffords, and gun safety groups said the bill would expand safe storage options during crises and in custody disputes; there was no opposition, and it passed due pass as amended. AB 2297, requiring restitution in diversion cases, drew support from the author, district attorneys, and victims’ advocates, while opponents argued it was duplicative, could burden low-income participants, and might undermine diversion success. After discussion about restitution law and ability to pay, the bill passed due pass. Finally, AB 2438, which would require people sentenced to more than six years to serve in state prison rather than county jail, drew support from the author and Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, who said realignment had overcrowded county jails and strained resources. Opponents warned it could worsen state prison overcrowding and conflict with realignment’s purpose. The chair recommended no, and the bill was moved due pass and re-refer to Appropriations, remaining on call.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Local and County Government Feb 3rd, 2026

Local and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • But Senate Bill clarifies that for any traffic-related, alcohol-related, drug-related offenses with a
  • , $800 for alcohol-related offenses and drug-related offenses, and $750 for all other offenses.
  • attorneys are interpreting this that a maximum fine that they can impose for any traffic-related offense
  • some confusion going on right now in his district as to how much a municipality can charge for an offense
  • , like a traffic-related offense.
Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee considered several bills dealing with municipal regulation, penalties, incentives, fireworks, and tax increment financing. Senate Bill 1519 would allow low-impact home-based businesses to operate without additional municipal permitting or zoning restrictions, while still requiring compliance with state and federal laws and applicable professional boards. Members questioned how the bill would define “no-impact” businesses, how it would affect short-term rentals and home-based services like nail salons or dispensaries, and whether it reduced local oversight. The bill passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1775 clarified that municipalities may impose penalties for traffic-, alcohol-, and drug-related offenses that are less than or equal to the state statutory penalty, and set caps for other municipal fines. After extended questioning over whether the bill lowered or matched state penalties, a legislative analyst was brought in to explain that the measure was intended to resolve confusion about municipal authority. The bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1900 would direct 5% of the value of state economic development incentives to cities or counties for infrastructure, with members raising concerns about how the funds would be split, whether counties or cities would control them, and how the bill would apply in unincorporated areas. The author said he was open to revising the language, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1948 would expand the time frame for licensed fireworks sellers to sell consumer fireworks year-round and would also bar counties from prohibiting private outdoor consumer fireworks displays, subject to burn bans and other safety limits. Questions focused on safety, county zoning, and whether the bill relied on an outdated building code reference. The bill passed 8-2. Senate Bill 2080, a request bill from county assessors, would require assessors to be included as an information resource in TIF/TID processes, align district boundaries with parcel lines, and allow administrative fees to cover assessor costs. Members debated the justification and size of the fee and whether it would burden local governments, but the bill passed 8-2.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 2417 relates to changing the Washington Code of Military Justice for victims of an offense
  • Both establish offenses and the legal procedure for service members.
  • Offenses in the Washington Code of Military Justice include those specific to military service and offenses
  • over serious offenses such as rape, murder, and assault.
  • The WCMJ provides no statutory protections for victims of offenses under our state code.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • The amendment simply realigns the offenses to put it in line with the offense that the defendant is on
  • The amendment simply realigns the offenses to put it in line with the offense that the defendant is on
  • HB 77, age as an element of criminal offenses by Representative Flaken.
  • It's ranked as a level two offense on the offense severity ranking chart.
  • on the OSRC offense severity ranking chart.
Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably. The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition. Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • For other serious offenses, For other serious offenses, such as those causing serious bodily injury,
  • But if they do come back for that same offense, we'll be able to use it.
  • for subsequent offenses.
  • But the allocation for OUI offenses was not increased, leaving longstanding service gaps.
  • Separating the offense of murder from the offense of accomplice murder allows for a wide range in sentencing
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jan 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would say it's offensive.
  • , or an offense that often results in very traumatic conditions for the survivor, to ensure that the
  • A second offense within seven years is punishable up to five years in prison.
  • You also made a comment... ...these types of offenses on the front end. Thank you.
  • And to me, that's somewhat offensive.
Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills dealing with firearms, hit-and-run penalties, domestic violence, and sexually violent predator placement. AB 256 by Assemblymember DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for certain firearm felonies involving controlled substances and require toxicology testing; supporters said it would provide transparency about the causes of gun violence, while opponents argued it duplicated existing law, was overbroad, and raised privacy concerns. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, would increase penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury; supporters framed it as a response to a fatal case in the author’s district, while opponents said current law already provides strong penalties and the bill would remove judicial flexibility. Both bills drew no formal support beyond the author and were opposed by public defenders, civil liberties groups, and other advocates. AB 292 by Assemblymember Patterson, as amended, would increase punishment for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail minimum for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued that early release can endanger victims and children, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association and California District Attorneys Association supported the measure. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, said existing law already escalates penalties, warned the bill could sweep too broadly or reduce flexibility, and urged more prevention-oriented responses. After discussion, the committee approved AB 292 as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 767 by Assemblymember Alanis would clarify that private and home-based schools, as well as daycare facilities, are covered by existing restrictions on conditional release placements for sexually violent predators. Supporters said the bill would better protect children and resolve inconsistent court interpretations, while opponents argued it could effectively bar placement in large parts of the state and undermine rehabilitation and due process. The committee passed AB 767 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent item AB 277. AB 1092, a vote-only reconsideration item from the prior year, was brought up without the author present and was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty - Wednesday, April 29

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A to B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses.”
  • “A to B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, I think within 60 days, 90 days. Right.
  • So they can only certify an A and B felony offense.
  • A and B felonies, sexual offenses, three felons within six months.
  • This changed in just A and B felonies, sexual offenses, or if someone commits three offenses within 180
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 roll call, and then heard several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. Members also introduced numerous student groups, interns, and other guests in the gallery. The chamber then took up conference committee action on House Bills 2637 and 3155, a large public safety/criminal justice package. Debate focused on juvenile justice changes, including narrowing prosecutorial authority to seek juvenile certification, provisions for juvenile detention facilities, assisted outpatient mental health treatment, cyberstalking, drone restrictions, and related sentencing and sex-offender registry provisions. The House adopted the conference committee report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted an emergency clause for the drone-related sections by 125-15. Members also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection and mortgage-related bill covering mortgage modifications and sale-leaseback disclosures, by 139-1, and Senate Bill 937, a land transfer measure authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, by 137-2-1. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the Missouri land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2. Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and adding land bank provisions while removing a school property right-of-first-refusal section, passed 110-36. The House then moved to announcements, noted upcoming committee meetings and Kentucky Derby Hat Day, and adjourned until April 30, 2026.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Crime and Public Safety Apr 7th, 2026

Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • That created three new classes of sex offenses that we wanted to make sure...
  • That created three new classes of sex offenses that we wanted to make sure that we captured and added
  • love who we love, and that's what trips your triggers, and you have a history of violent sexual offenses
  • So what these are, two offenses that are being combined into one, and we've got to make sure that the
  • The offense is a Class E felony.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 982. Members adopted a House committee substitute that updated the bill to reflect recently enacted sex offense classifications and added language related to sexual violent predator civil commitment, including permission for the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for housing. After questions about the civil commitment process and registry-related provisions, the committee adopted two House committee amendments, rolled them into the substitute, and voted the bill do pass by a vote of 14 aye, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then approved House Bill 3414 by a vote of 12 yes, 1 no, and 3 present. Next, it considered a combined substitute for House Bills 3434, 3460, and 2628, which dealt with emergency contraception and related health care facility language. Members discussed whether the substitute should include religious objection protections and whether the facility definition was broad enough for rural clinics. After adopting an amendment clarifying that emergency contraception does not include medication approved to terminate a pregnancy, the committee adopted the substitute and voted the combined bills do pass by 11 aye, 4 no, and 1 present. In public hearing, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 87, which would place the election of sheriffs in the Missouri Constitution and preserve local election of sheriffs, with carve-outs for St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jackson County, and the City of St. Louis. The sponsor and supporting witnesses argued it would protect local control and accountability, while members asked about removal procedures and the role of the Attorney General versus local prosecutors. Supporters, including the Osage County sheriff and the interim sheriff of the City of St. Louis, testified in favor; no opposition testified. The committee also heard House Bills 1868 and 3257, identical bills creating an offense for impeding, threatening, or harassing first responders after an oral warning to stay back. Sponsors said the measure was intended to protect officers, EMS, firefighters, and others from interference at scenes, and supporters from ambulance, physician, and fire service groups backed the bill, with a suggested cleanup to remove the outdated term “ambulance driver.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3017, which would create the offense of permitting a public nuisance on property after repeated documented complaints and allow authorities to secure or board up nuisance properties. The sponsor and Kansas City police supported it as a tool for public safety, while members raised concerns about landlord liability, due process, and whether the felony penalty and boarding costs were too burdensome; Kansas City police testified in support and no opposition was heard.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 4/7/26

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, uh, in subdivision one of the bill, the base level offense of impersonating an officer with intent
  • , which means impersonating an offenses, which means impersonating an officer<00:19:54.080><c> with</
  • </c><00:20:26.960><c> for</c> bill creates an aggravated offense for bill creates an aggravated offense
  • And this new offense is a before. And this new offense is a 10-year<00:20:36.320><c> felony.
  • </c><00:20:51.760><c> while</c> commits a more serious offense while commits a more serious offense while
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Crime and Public Safety Apr 7th, 2026

Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • That created three new classes of sex offenses that we wanted to make sure that we captured and added
  • That created three new classes of sex offenses that we wanted to make sure that we captured and added
  • love who we love, and that's what trips your triggers, and you have a history of violent sexual offenses
  • The offense to that is a classy felony, but this is what it says in that statute.
  • The offense is a Class E felony.
Keywords: 959, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishing a felony offense for teachers grooming a child 2/24/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So what this bill does, it makes clear field trip supervision rules, creates a new felony offense for
  • Uh, so section two adds grooming to the list of offenses that, if a teacher is convicted of, triggers
  • Um section 9 establishes the grooming offense, and section 10 establishes the criminal penalties for
  • the grooming offense.
  • for questions. offenses that if a teacher is convicted offenses that if a teacher is convicted of<00
Keywords: 1183, house