Transcript Highlights:

• Would you raise your hand? Tony Hermio and Taylor Null. Would you raise your hand?
• But in 2012, smart prosecutors prosecuted under— Can't make this stuff up, but in 2012, smart prosecutors
• But the others pay a $100 a year fee.
• So the 91% that did pay the $1,000 did pay the...
• to raise revenue for good causes.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region. The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success. Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• , prosecutors, prosecutors, I<00:33:25.800><c> would</c><00:33:25.960><c> have</c><00:33:26.320><c> been
• :31.880><c> these</c> the prosecutors who prosecute these the prosecutors who prosecute these cases,<
• I think that's why we pay them though. I'm not sure. No, it isn't why we pay them.
• ,</c><00:44:39.760><c> I</c> that um you run by the prosecutors, I that um you run by the prosecutors
• </c> we pay them. We pay them to do justice. we pay them. We pay them to do justice.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• the... paying the forfeitures.
• Could we not raise that above 10%?
• I've been a prosecutor and you'll get a whole lot more money with these percentage bonds instead of paying
• How much can you pay?
• Chris England actually used to be the prosecutor, and I would be... used to be the prosecutor, and I

Bills: SB210 , SB225 , HB280 , HB287 , HB94 , HB88 , SB157 , HB7 , HB8 , HB42

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just raising the question: we just seem to be living in a world that is losing our civility on so
• It's very, very hurtful in order to cure those problems, especially if you don't raise taxes.
• I'm just raising the question: we just seem to be living in a world that is losing our civility on so
• It's very, very hurtful in order to cure those problems, especially if you don't raise taxes.
• failure to pay taxes on those drugs.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• isn't enough to file charges, prosecutor says.'
• Pay our teachers a living wage. Please don't know on this bill.
• Those are God-given freedoms given to us to raise our kids. And thank you.
• Those are God-given freedoms given to us to raise our kids. And Thank you.
• Those are God-given freedoms given to us to raise our kids.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reality is that such records are almost inaccessible unless the individual raises their mental state
• That requires a good team effort with the law enforcement officers and also with the prosecutors, so
• We do so we're paying Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for use of their crime lab, for their DNA lab.
• Prosecutors understand that.
• Prosecutors understand that.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents. Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services. The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have consulted with prosecutors who prosecute and handle these types of cases routinely.
• You can't raise an affirmative defense unless you're charged with it.
• Prosecutors would argue it. So that's one thing you might be able to do.
• So the end or for the prosecutors is extremely important. Thank you for the time, Chairman.
• I'm here to raise some concerns with SB 412 and exclusively that piece of legislation.

Bills: SB20 , SB1621 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• So my question is, how are they going to pay for a role like this? Pay for the ranger? Right.
• And you pay them a salary.
• Well, you have to pay, they would have to pay to maintain their license through POST. Right. Yes.
• Whether they want to pay for it, whether they don't want to pay for it, everything is optional.
• So the prosecutor can charge it.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 123-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week, honor fallen officers, and offer extended tributes to departing colleagues and a departing representative, followed by numerous introductions of special guests, interns, students, and visiting groups from schools and universities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports before taking up House Bill 1839, 2921, and 3015 together. The sponsor described the measure as a technical correction to online age-verification language related to pornography, and members noted the bill had already passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly. The House concurred in Senate Amendment 1 by a vote of 104-30, then adopted the conference/TAFP motion and finally passed the package 112-25. Members next considered House Bill 2596 in conference committee. The sponsor explained the bill as a small-business health plan measure that also included a negotiated amendment expanding private insurance coverage for contraception from a six-month to a 12-month supply, while removing Senate-added blood pressure cuff language and adding a severability clause. After debate about the process and policy, the House adopted the conference report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27. The final major item was Senate Bill 905, creating the Missouri Ranger training program to allow school districts, if they choose, to place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement powers in schools. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, funding, training, and whether armed personnel in schools would help or harm students. Supporters argued it would provide an optional, low-cost safety tool, especially for districts without school resource officers; opponents argued it would escalate fear, resemble a prison environment, and fail to address mental health and other root causes. The House moved the previous question, adopted the amendment, and continued debate on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Bible tells you if you raise a child up, train them up in a way that they will not go.
• And the Bible tells you if you raise a child up, train them up in a way that they will not go.
• And our prosecutor would have to deal with it.
• So it would be going to the wrong prosecutor. So there's no way for us to fluidly do that.
• So then I reached out to county prosecutors, and we have four county prosecutors within our jurisdiction

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why all lawyers pay his car.
• </c> is that at least 14 federal prosecutors is that at least 14 federal prosecutors um<01:33:52.239>
• </c> prosecutor for feeding our future. prosecutor for feeding our future.
• </c><02:39:16.960><c> uh</c><02:39:17.200><c> about</c> raises an interesting point. uh about raises
• </c> wave of experienced prosecutors wave of experienced prosecutors resigning<03:10:13.920><c> from<

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota only pays for one-quarter of the program.
• The federal government pays 75% of that.
• 36.080><c> leads</c><00:09:36.320><c> the</c> the career prosecutor who leads the the career prosecutor
• We're the prosecutors.
• We're the prosecutors, and you know that.

Bills: HF2354 , HF3621 , HF3429 , HF3483

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it raise the age from 17 to 18 at all for this registry? I don't remember.
• And this is an example of how we could have been paying for those things.
• As I'm reading through the mechanics of the bill, you know, in Jackson County, our new prosecutor has
• Because I think there are some county prosecutors that would love to collaborate on issues like this.
• “And it’s these compounding of unintended consequences that have raised it to a level of concern that

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. House Bill 2323, relating to a domestic violence registry, was discussed as a private law-enforcement database for domestic abuse offenders; members noted it was similar to other registry bills already advanced, though some said it differed in details. House Bill 2530, described as the scrap metal bill, was also voted do pass without discussion. House Bill 1882 was withdrawn from consideration after members noted it had been rolled with another bill and had been sent back from fiscal review and Rules. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute and two amendments for House Bill 3332, which concerns public safety personnel recruitment and retention and employment benefits for first responders; the substitute removed additional degree programs from scholarship eligibility and the amendments fixed scholarship prioritization language and removed a sunset from the line-of-duty death benefit. HB 3332 was voted do pass. In public hearing, Representative Justice presented House Bill 3174, Missouri’s version of Alyssa’s Law, requiring each school employee to have access to a wearable panic alert system tied to local emergency responders and school personnel. He said the bill is subject to appropriations and would use a qualified vendor list; members questioned cost, funding, liability, and whether schools could already implement such systems. Support testimony came from Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mother, who described the Parkland shooting and argued that faster alerts save lives, including in medical emergencies, and from a teacher who said the system would help in both active shooter and non-shooter emergencies. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Williams then presented House Bill 3434, which would create a Missouri statewide sexual assault response task force to examine reporting, investigation, medical response, advocacy, and prosecution and report recommendations by December 31, 2028. She said the task force would build on progress made reducing the sexual assault kit backlog but address ongoing inconsistencies across jurisdictions. Members asked about overlap with a prior expired task force, appointment structure, and whether the group should include more medical or law-enforcement representatives. Support testimony from the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence described the history of the kit backlog, the Telesane program, uneven services across the state, and the need for continued coordination and accountability; the Missouri Emergency Nurses Association also supported the bill, citing the need to address both rural and urban response challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there were concerns raised about the fact that Miss Nolan served a number of years as a prosecutor
• However, being a prosecutor is not a disqualifying factor in any way.
• </c> prosecutor and defender perspectives. prosecutor and defender perspectives.
• ,</c><00:26:04.480><c> she</c> she's impacted as a prosecutor, she she's impacted as a prosecutor, she
• Dresser raised understand why Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to the appraisal, of course, it raises separate during the home inspection when the inspector
• We we that would be great because I think these are some valid points being raised in a jar could kind
• I can tell you that prosecutors recognize that we need to make this a felony both because of the penalty
• So on behalf of state prosecutors, we're in support of this and particularly what makes this a felony
• Not only could you pay the servers reporting plan to that require them to comment on and that alternate

Transcript Highlights:

• Defendants can either be released on their own recognizance or required to pay bail. ...be released on
• their own recognizance, required to pay bail to be released.
• If you're online, would you just raise your hand if you'd like to offer some comments to start with?
• I raised my hand because I’d like to speak to the data and tracking data.
• transmitted to our Community Justice Services Department case management system, as well as our prosecutor

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on expanding the use of pretrial services in Washington. Auditors said most of the 14 local courts they reviewed wanted to expand or implement pretrial services but faced barriers such as funding, limited community resources, and public safety concerns. The audit found variation in how courts use pretrial services, potential disparities in who receives them, and major data limitations because most courts do not track pretrial outcomes in an accessible, standardized way. Auditors recommended that local courts engage stakeholders early, improve data collection and evaluation, and that the Administrative Office of the Courts provide more standardized guidance and support. They also noted the legislature had funded an AOC pilot program to help courts expand pretrial services. Court representatives from Spokane Municipal Court, Grays Harbor County District Court, and Yakima County described their own programs and supported the audit’s general conclusions. Spokane officials said their pretrial unit, funded locally and built around risk and needs assessments, had reduced bail use, detention time, failures to appear, and recidivism, but emphasized the need for stable funding and better public understanding of pretrial alternatives. Grays Harbor staff similarly said pretrial supervision and least-restrictive alternatives save jail costs and reduce reoffending, but that collecting data across all cases is labor-intensive and difficult without dedicated staff. Yakima and Spokane also highlighted the value of integrated case-management systems and centralized data tracking. Committee members asked about how reduced detention time occurs, how courts can communicate cost savings and public safety outcomes, and why many courts struggle to track pretrial data. Auditors explained that early risk and financial screening helps judges make quicker release decisions and that better data and stakeholder communication are key to building support. No formal action or vote was taken; the committee held the required hearing and then adjourned after public testimony was invited and written testimony information was provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 4765, teacher, school personnel, and state police pay raise.
• The Committee on Finance adopted a strike-and-insert amendment that retained the pay raise.
• The Committee on Finance adopted a strike-and-insert amendment that retained the pay raise, but also
• in Southern West Virginia would not receive a pay raise under this?
• Would not receive a pay raise under this?

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment. The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies. Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• A.B. 1917 accomplishes this by requiring prosecutors to file a motion to request the reinstatement of
• Concerns were initially raised that this bill would keep information confidential.
• Rural Californians have been paying the price for years.
• Now all Californians are paying the price for the risk we have ignored far too long.
• Nothing To pay the park owner's legal fees in addition to a monetary penalty.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's already been turned over to the prosecutor. It will be, yes.
• It's already been turned over to the prosecutor. It will be, yes.
• Where are the private businesses paying?
• We'll see what the AG and the prosecutors are.
• And why that one pays quarterly, I have no idea.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:

• We pay our taxes. We do our dues. We deserve to be safe. Thank you.” “Questions for the speaker?”
• I think we’re raising a caution for members that legislation like this in other states...
• We have worked extremely hard to raise our family.
• These decisions occur in open court on the record, with prosecutors and victims notified.
• That raises the evidentiary floor so judges can rely on the tools backed by the field.

Bills: HB2047 , HB2136 , HB2198 , HB2411 , HB2662 , HB2966 , HB2970

Committees: House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Keywords: forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we did have raised any objections.
• There was a concern raised in them.
• Hugo, prosecutor attorney, Honolulu.
• </c><00:49:50.000><c> Hugo,</c><00:49:50.800><c> prosecutor</c> Next, we have Mr.
• Hugo, prosecutor Next, we have Mr. Hugo, prosecutor attorney,<00:49:51.599><c> Honolulu.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.