Video & Transcript Research : 'Class B misdemeanor'

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • this bill is to obligate a court to not detain a juvenile accused of the most serious and violent 707(b)
  • Violations can be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,500 in fines and up to one year in
  • For example, an 18-year-old convicted of a misdemeanor oral copulation, and that is a possibility with
  • It assumes that a person convicted of a registrable offense involving a minor, even misdemeanors, may
  • This approach is consistent with our firearm-related misdemeanor offenses already in statute.
Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 22nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's about creating a protected class immune from scrutiny and legal consequences. Caregivers.
  • AB 82 isn't about safety; it's about creating a protected class of abusive providers immune from the
  • As of today, there are over 30 ways to charge an individual with trespassing, either misdemeanors or
  • That's Penal Code Section 288, Subdivision (b)(2).
  • This class of criminal is very difficult in terms of rehabilitation.
Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It is a Class A misdemeanor offense for marketing, advertising, or selling products, punishable by up
  • For all three of them, for a misdemeanor, For all three of them, for a misdemeanor, the initial forensic
  • Sorry, for a misdemeanor, it's 60 days. For a felony, it's 120 days.
  • So an individual has to be a class, their offense has to be class B misdemeanor or class A felony, so
  • Their offense has to be a Class B misdemeanor or a Class A felony, so it has to be an offense that is
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/15/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • wealthiest people while the working class suffers.
  • These are middle-class people with their own businesses, and they should be given a break too.
  • This is a middle-class tax cut. This is not anything else.
  • This proposal, Senate Bill 1106 from Senator B.
  • SB 1140, expungement and misdemeanor records. Judiciary and Elections.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and guest items, then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. The main substantive item was SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated it extensively, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers filing returns, and pro-growth benefits for workers and businesses, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in broader budget negotiations. Several senators also objected to provisions they said were added late, including child care, senior deductions, and education-related tax credit language. The bill was ultimately passed in open session by a vote of 17 ayes, 12 nays, and 1 not voting, and was transmitted to the governor. After SB 1106, the chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then heard a proclamation in support of law enforcement, read by Senator Bolick and signed by Senate leadership. The proclamation cited officer safety, assaults, fatalities, and mental health concerns, and called for continued support, equipment, training, and resources for law enforcement. Senators spoke in favor of honoring police and “backing the blue.” The Senate also handled routine floor business, including a message from the House, transmission of SB 1106 to the governor, and a long list of first-reading bill introductions and committee references covering topics such as public safety, health and human services, education, finance, elections, immigration, border issues, and appropriations. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 03:30 pm

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • But a minor charge for driving under the influence is a Class C misdemeanor, not a felony.
  • As I watched that child get, in 2013. in hemp oil, which is now a class A misdemeanor.
  • B-U-S-T-E-R-S, Inc.
  • In 2021, my then 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed diagnosed with B cell leukemia.
  • Wait a minute, B? B, like Victor? B and then Victor. OK. Is the last name? Yes. Tobe. Tobe. OK.
Bills: HB 28, SB 3
Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, presently it's a class A misdemeanor if I read the statute correctly, which is in front of you as
  • > A<02:14:21.440> misdemeanor<02:14:22.159> if presently it's a class A misdemeanor
  • if presently it's a class A misdemeanor if I<02:14:22.480> read<02:14:22.719> the<02:14
  • RSA 173-B is unconstitutional.
  • would be a misdemeanor. Yeah. would be a misdemeanor. Yeah.
Keywords: 928, house, all
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.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/21/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Amendment number two requires certain Class B licenses to be converted into a ...
  • Class B licenses to be converted into a Class B hotel and restaurant license. Move the amendment.
  • House Bill 1111, Alcoholic Beverages, Class Three Wineries and Class Four Limited Wineries, Bulk Wine
  • > wineries<01:36:39.200> and beverages, class three wineries and beverages, class three
  • <01:36:41.000> bulk<01:36:41.360> wine, class four limited wineries, bulk wine, class
Summary: The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties. Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees. The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But remember, it's class of business.
  • Not a class of business, but could close individual businesses, but not a class of businesses.
  • Any violation of these prohibitions is a Class B misdemeanor.
  • A misdemeanor.
  • Could encompass a single class or a single day.
Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day. Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously. The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure. The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 2nd, 2026

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • Or who might be eligible for benefits of some sort have possibly got a bunch of misdemeanors in issues
  • He and his wife are going through all kinds of nightmares with classes and counseling and stuff.
  • He has lost $20,000 in annual income simply because of all the classes he's been having to take for things
  • Work Ed has set out their fees and estimated expenses in Attachment B to the contract.
Summary: The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity as part of a broader study of social service and workforce development reform under Act 145 of 2025. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, and “one door to work” system that would combine eligibility screening, service delivery, and workforce connections across DHS, workforce, and related programs. Much of the discussion focused on reducing administrative overhead, improving coordination, and using tools such as AI and centralized databases to help applicants learn about benefits, training, and job opportunities while still preserving case managers and in-person help for people without digital access. Members also emphasized targeting groups with low labor-force participation, including people in generational poverty, rural residents, individuals reentering from prison, and people involved in the court system who may be employable but are not currently connected to employers. Several members raised concerns about benefit cliffs, the burden of repeated paperwork across agencies, and whether the system should include performance measures tied to cost per person served and return on investment. The committee agreed that quantifiable savings and outcomes should be part of the study and future recommendations. The committee then considered and discussed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study. Bureau of Legislative Research staff explained that the contract would run through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, billed on actual hours and expenses, and could be expanded by up to 10% if needed. Bishop said he could provide ongoing ROI updates and technical assistance based on his experience in other states. After discussion, the committee voted to move forward with the contract, and the meeting adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jul 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Existing criminal penalties for this type of conduct range from misdemeanor to felony convictions.
  • I passed a bill in 2020... ...issue within the misdemeanor arena around medication.
  • And that tool has really been taken out of the toolkit if you commit a misdemeanor.
  • Currently, an involuntary medication order can only be issued... ...or a misdemeanor.
  • The same is not true for misdemeanors.
Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • probably noticed, it's getting kind of crowded out in the parking lot because today is the first day of class
  • think that something that I'm going to suggest to her as a request is to have UNM Gallup be part of the B.
  • Notably, the delinquent referrals that have declined most dramatically are misdemeanor referrals.
  • In felony referrals, there has been a much larger increase in misdemeanor referrals since 2020.
  • Just as an overview, the top charges for juvenile delinquent referrals for misdemeanors are battery and
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Jan 14th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT IS JUST EXPRESSING AN INTEREST IN HAVING THOSE PRELIMINARY CLASSES AND ENVIRONMENTS
  • THE GUY SAID THEY LIKE TO SEE MORE HANDS-ON CLASSES SO THEY HAVE SKILL WHEN THEY GO OUT.
  • THEY DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, WE FILED BILLS TO ENHANCE PENALTIES
  • YOU'RE HER LAST NAME BECAUSE I AM SEEING SOME PHYSICIANS HANDWRITING HERE I AM GOING TO RECOGNIZE JAMES B.
  • JAMES B I BELIEVE IS FROM FLORIDA PVA. JAMES, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 10, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • /c> three B three B again<00:08:00.199> the<00:08:00.400> first<00:08:00.720> check<
  • the middle class need.
  • The nerve of this group of people who spent... middle class Americans need that all middle class Americans
  • part of the middle class part of the middle class need<02:10:05.159> it's<02:10:05.320>
  • /c> Musgrave here was a h a similar camera B Musgrave here was a h a similar camera B on<07:26:08.160
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is what they're showing to individuals who are charged with misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, and
  • ,<00:43:32.800> petty<00:43:33.200> misdemeanor, with uh misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor
  • , with uh misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, and<00:43:33.920> sometimes<00:43:34.319> citations
  • In line with that change, we'll repeal subsections B through D as they currently exist in the statute
  • /c> F to provide that new subsections B F to provide that new subsections B through<00:54:14.480>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.
  • So right now, it’s a Class A misdemeanor, and it would be bumped up to a state jail felony.
  • A misdemeanor.
  • They get charged with a Class A misdemeanor, take probation or time served.
  • Others who train and sell animals to fight face only a Class A misdemeanor, a slap on the wrist.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (03/05/2026)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • One is called the classes of people.
  • RSA 159-3 imposes a class B felony on any convicted felon who owns or possesses a deadly weapon.
  • /c> imposes a class B felony on any imposes a class B felony on any convicted<00:45:32.960> felon<
  • I want to talk to you," if they run, instead of being a misdemeanor, it's now a class B felony.
  • I want to talk to you," if they run, instead of being a misdemeanor, it's now a class B felony.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee Feb 19th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is this making this a Class C felony if you violate 419 1029 or 419...
  • Because we're fixing to make it a Class C felony. It should be a Class C felony...
  • It should be a Class C felony.
  • I'm just trying to figure out what we're making a Class C felony so...
  • The Alabama... by the way, these listed in here as violations and the results for Class C fail in Class
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • this bill is to obligate a court not to detain a juvenile accused of the most serious and violent 707(b)
  • Violations can be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,500 in fines and up to one year in
  • It assumes that a person convicted of a registrable offense involving a minor, even misdemeanors, may
  • This approach is consistent with our firearm-related misdemeanor offenses already in statute.
  • This approach is consistent with our firearm-related misdemeanor offenses already in statute.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Any violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor, and it ensures the physical and mental well-being
  • And it'll be a first-class directory.
  • With that, in Senate Bill 4706, possession of a gambling device, we want to increase that from a Class
  • A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.
  • Taking that from a misdemeanor to a felony will help with that as well.