Transcript Highlights:

• Community Corrections provides services to county adult and juvenile systems by inspecting county jails
• facilities, making recommendations to facility administrators, revising the minimum standards for jails
• There have been 136 deaths in jails since then, and just a couple of quick updates.
• County jails in just the first two months of 2006.
• County jails in just the first two months of 2006. So my question is, what? of 2006.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard an overview from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) on its budget change proposal and grant administration. BSCC requested authority for 11 additional permanent positions to handle a workload that has nearly tripled over five to seven years, with more than 600 grant agreements and about $1.5 billion in grant funds in the field. The board also reported on its new In-Custody Death Review Division, which has collected data since July 2024 and received 136 jail death reports; staff said the division is still building out reviews and has identified overdose, natural causes, and suicide by hanging as the leading manners of death. Members raised concerns about family notification practices, oversight of local grants, and the impact of taking more administrative funds from local assistance, while the LAO and Department of Finance did not oppose the position request but urged correction of the administration’s Proposition 47 savings methodology before May Revision. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s overall budget and operations. Secretary Jeffrey Macomber described a relatively steady prison and parole population, ongoing structural budget pressures from retirement payouts, workers’ compensation, medical transport, violence, and aging facilities lacking air conditioning and ADA features. He emphasized rehabilitation, recidivism reduction, college programming, and the department’s 20-year infrastructure planning effort, while also defending the closure of the California Rehabilitation Center and warning that additional closures can increase overcrowding, double-celling, and waitlists for programming. Senators pressed CDCR on fiscal discipline, vacancy savings, staffing shortages in medical and mental health classifications, the use of tablets for incarcerated people, and community impacts from prison closures, including the Norco site. A separate item focused on CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave payouts to separating correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said these costs had historically been covered by vacancy savings, but lower vacancy levels and facility closures have reduced that funding source. The LAO supported the funding only on a limited-term basis with reporting, arguing the need may change as the system reaches a new normal, and also urged the Legislature to scrutinize the broader structural shortfall and the Boston Consulting Group efficiency contract. Finance supported ongoing funding, saying the costs are recurring and vacancy savings are less reliable. The committee also discussed CDCR’s fall 2025 population projections, which forecast a 6.5% decline in the institution population and a 10.4% decline in parole over five years, while updating Proposition 36 assumptions based on actual admissions data. CDCR and Finance said the California Rehabilitation Center closure would generate savings and that no additional prison closure had been formally proposed, though the LAO argued the state could close another prison and recommended not funding certain Soledad projects unless another closure is identified.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are generally jails as opposed to state correctional facilities.
• Over half of the jail officers, 53%, screen positive for PTSD. These are not just percentages.
• Back in 2019, my association created a dedicated position just to serve our jails, a jail services liaison
• Sixteen plants—one plant difference—makes it up to six months in jail.
• Sixteen plants—one plant difference—makes it up to six months in jail.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides. The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken. SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Helping people end up in treatment rather than in jail is a great, great program and service.
• We also work in the corrections side with probation, parole, and in the jail.
• We have peer support workers through the RISE grant that we receive from BHSD, who go into the jail every
• There is an effort, and it is finally rolling out to the county jails now for Medicaid to be reinstated
• mechanism, at least that we've seen in our part of the state, where the communication between the jail

Transcript Highlights:

• misdemeanor, for obstructing the distribution of election supplies from a Class C misdemeanor to a state jail
• ballot supplies, is intentionally undersupplying their precincts with ballot paper, they ought to go to jail
• supplies very, very seriously, which I appreciate, and it adds that Class A misdemeanor and the state jail
• They should all be in jail for this. Members, any questions? Thank you, sir, for testifying.
• We're just hearing a lot about people that need to be in jail, and I'm just curious who and where those

Transcript Highlights:

• night from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony.
• If they are intentionally obstructing ballot paper, they ought to go to jail.
• It adds that Class A misdemeanor and the state jail felony language to the law.
• They should all be in jail for this. Members, any questions? Thank you, sir, for testifying.
• We're just hearing a lot about people that need to be in jail, and I'm just curious.

Bills: HB376, HB817, HB 1297, HB1478, HB1661, HB1783

Keywords: HB 817, Texas Election Code, majority vote, majority threshold, ranked-choice voting, preferential voting, instant runoff voting, vote reassignment, ballot ranking, election administration, public office election, Election Code Section 2.0215, runoff elections, plurality vs majority, voting systems, education reform, budget allocation, teacher retention, student performance, accountability measures

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> individuals should have been in jail. individuals should have been in jail.
• c><00:42:33.920><c> they</c><00:42:34.160><c> weren't</c><00:42:34.640><c> in</c><00:42:34.880><c> jail
• </c><00:42:35.680><c> was</c> The reason they weren't in jail was The reason they weren't in jail was
• </c> while they should have been in jail. while they should have been in jail.
• recently is a 24 year old man who was recently released<00:45:21.440><c> from</c><00:45:21.760><c> jail

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• total of 28 points gives the judge the discretion to sentence a person convicted of the offense to jail
• total of 28 points gives the judge the discretion to sentence a person convicted of the offense to jail
• somebody who is in jail or in prison, but I do have some experience with statute of limitations.
• And they still deserve the basic human rights, even sitting in jail.
• Jails who we've taken custody of.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions before taking up the special order calendar. The chamber first postponed CS/SB 80 on state land management, then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions when identical or nearly identical. Early actions included unanimous passage of HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a recycling and waste-diversion roadmap, and passage of CS/CS/SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking after amendments addressing out-of-service credits and former phosphate mine lands; that bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional concerns. The Senate also passed HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, adding a sentencing multiplier and a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, and HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, with $190,000 in nonrecurring implementation funds and a July 1, 2026 implementation date. The chamber then approved HB 1089 to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, and HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects, lower the approval threshold, and clarify ownership and reimbursement issues. Members discussed funding levels and whether insurance premium credits would be required, but the bill passed unanimously. The Senate also passed HB 1145 on workforce education, HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, and HB 181 on parole guidelines, all without recorded opposition. CS/CS/SB 976 on court-appointed psychologists also passed unanimously, as did HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, which broadened protections against non-consensual and digitally forged intimate images. Later, the Senate approved HB 1156 creating the Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program, after clarifying training requirements and hearing support that the measure would help families keep medically fragile children at home while compensating trained parents. The chamber also passed HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care, with an amendment allowing designated facilities to retain stabilized patients who still meet involuntary examination criteria. Throughout the day, senators used questions and debate to probe charter school governance in CS/CS/SB 822, which was substituted with HB 443 and amended to expand charter autonomy over conduct codes, enrollment, reporting, and facility use while maintaining sponsor oversight; that bill was placed on the calendar for third reading rather than voted on in the excerpt. Several other measures, including SB 716, SB 76, and the final SB 1252 item, were postponed or not reached before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• good news contained that advances the cause of fighting to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing
• ... ...to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing, and/or deporting perpetrators of human trafficking
• Because at the time, and we haven't advanced enough, traffickers were not being put in jail.
• They're still not being put in jail at the level they should. Victims weren't considered survivors.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life. A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn. The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• good news contained that advances the cause of fighting to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing
• ... ...to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing, um, and/or deporting perpetrators of human
• Because at the time, and we haven't advanced enough, traffickers were not being put in jail.
• They're still not being put in jail at the level they should. Victims weren't considered survivors.

Summary: The Senate took up the Protect Act, a broad immigration-related bill, and first adopted Amendment 6 offered by Senator Kennedy. Kennedy framed the amendment as strengthening protections for DDS facilities and other disability-related settings, arguing that immigrant caregivers are essential to the direct care workforce and that these spaces should be treated as sensitive care environments. The chamber also agreed to print several senators’ remarks in the journal. Members then considered a series of amendments, with many withdrawn or rejected. An effective-date amendment was adopted, while multiple amendments from Senator Tarr and Senator Keenan dealing with 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, notification procedures, sanctuary-related language, and other enforcement provisions were defeated. Amendment 34, expanding safe-space language to include residential schools and residential programs licensed or funded by the state, was adopted. Amendment 11 on protecting immigrant victims of crime and trafficking was not adopted. Later, the Senate adopted Amendment 10 from Senator Edwards on courthouse curtilage and Amendment 20 establishing a commission on immigration, with Edwards noting minority-party representation would be included. Amendment 13 from Senator Miranda, protecting health care workers from retaliation when acting in good faith for patients, was also adopted. A corrective amendment from Senator Friedman was adopted, and Senator Montigny used the occasion to speak about human trafficking and the need to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. After the Ways and Means recommendation was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 37-3. The Senate then took up a House amendment to a student learning and mental health bill, rejected the House changes, and appointed a conference committee. The chamber also adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• good news contained that advances the cause of fighting to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing
• ... ...to protect victims of human trafficking and jailing, um, and or deporting perpetrators of human
• Because at the time, and we haven't advanced enough, traffickers were not being put in jail.
• They're still not being put in jail at the level they should. Victims weren't considered survivors.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jaywalking is also heavily regulated, and no one's gone to jail for doing it.
• Just the same, no one's going to jail for sending tasteless and abhorrent messages to student athletes
• So heavily regulated, and no one's gone to jail for doing it.
• Just the same, no one's going to jail for sending tasteless and abhorrent messages to student athletes

Bills: HB2205, HB2309, HB2206, HB2123, HB2120, HB2411

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Jaywalking is also heavily regulated, and no one's gone to jail for doing it.
• Just the same, no one's going to jail for doing it. Just the same.
• No one's going to ...heavily regulated, and no one's gone to jail for doing it.
• Just the same, no one's going to jail for sending tasteless and abhorrent messages to student athletes

Summary: The committee began in executive session with staff briefing several bills and proposed amendments. House Bill 2206, concerning uniformed and overseas civilian voting standards, was discussed but ultimately pulled from consideration for the day. House Bill 2123, dealing with foreign national donor reporting, was amended to raise the certification threshold to $6,000 and then advanced from committee on a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2120, which would remove two JLARC reporting requirements, also passed unanimously. House Bill 2411, authorizing shared leave for state employees involved in immigration enforcement actions or who are victims of hate crimes, was amended and then reported out on a 5-2 vote after debate over eligibility and privacy-related language. The committee then held hearings on House Bill 2309 and House Bill 2205. HB 2309 would bar state civil service classifications from requiring a postgraduate degree unless required by law, with the sponsor and OFM saying it would reduce barriers to state employment and expand the applicant pool. Testimony in support emphasized workforce access, equity, and skill-based hiring. HB 2205 would expand tribal sports wagering to allow bets placed at any tribal gaming facility and permit wagering on Washington college teams, while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington student-athlete performance. Tribal leaders and casino operators supported the bill as a way to bring existing illegal betting into a regulated tribal system and improve integrity monitoring, while the University of Washington and Washington State University opposed it, warning of harassment, student-athlete safety concerns, and broader gambling harms. A taxpayer advocacy witness urged broader online sports betting options, arguing that limiting access drives bettors to offshore markets. The hearing on HB 2205 was left open and HB 2309 testimony concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We could train law enforcement to enforce a regulated industry just It's like a county jail now trains
• Vendors who make money on food tray contracts every time a veteran goes to jail instead of going home
• They're charged with a crime that we wrote, and they're taken to jail, where 12 times more people die
• constituency can't afford it, but at the same time we also can't afford our unfunded mandates for jails

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB5, SB11, SB12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• County jails often rely on mandatory overtime to maintain the security of their facilities.
• We're also responsible for maintaining the jail with, as far as Bexar County, upwards of 5,000 inmates
• You could have another subsection at the jail to allow for, you know... some of that span of control
• I started in 1990 in the jail, and exactly what has been said is true—nothing's changed for the sheriff

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL PROVIDES MANDATORY MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR THIS CRIME A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL FOR THE FIRST
• THEY SENTENCED OR FOUND HIM GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER AND SENTENCED HIM TO 30 YEARS IN JAIL.
• DOES THE ADDITION OF DETENTION APPLY OR ON THIS PROHIBITION TO ACTIONS THAT HAPPEN LET'S SAY A COUNTY JAIL
• THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND THAT COP DIES AS A RESULT OF YOUR VIOLENCE THEN YOU SHOULD GO TO JAIL

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are not aware there was any attempt to consider her for an LPS conservatorship, despite the existing jail
• are not aware there was any attempt to consider her for an LPS conservatorship, despite the existing jail
• And I think for years, it's bothered me that when people check into county jails, for example, there's
• You know, hurting themselves within the first 24 hours in jail.
• court proceeding to make sure that they get care and then they don't die on our streets or in our jails

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, juvenile justice, criminal procedure, and human trafficking. SB 1157 by Sen. Archuleta would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile placements in probation settings, with Judicial Council rules on issues such as insurance, staffing, background checks, notice to local governments, and zoning. Supporters, including county probation and local government representatives, said the bill would add needed oversight and safety standards; opponents argued it would impose rigid standards on a diverse continuum of community-based placements and that the Judicial Council was not the right body to set substantive program rules. The bill was discussed but no vote was taken at that point due to quorum issues. SB 1012 by Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to state-approved apprenticeships and require apprenticeship programs to consider their prior training and experience. The author and supporters from labor, fire training, and formerly incarcerated workers described it as a fair pathway to stable careers and a way to recognize skills gained in conservation camps. Committee members generally supported the concept, with one member noting that certification should still require demonstrated competence. The bill was moved forward after discussion. SB 1306 by Sen. Cortese would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research, while leaving rules for pure GBL unchanged. Supporters said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and help keep semiconductor work in California; there was no opposition testimony, and members described it as a practical measure. SB 1401 by Sen. Stern would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor rules, including timelines, information-sharing, and conservatorship referral provisions. Supporters said it would improve treatment pathways and prevent people from being released without care, while opponents warned it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and reduce due process protections. The committee approved SB 1401 on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1027 by Sen. Strickland, which was amended to create a task force to study street prostitution, human trafficking, victim services, and related community impacts. Local officials and law enforcement supported the bill as a data-driven way to address trafficking and neighborhood harms, while some advocacy groups remained opposed to the bill as introduced and wanted to review the amendments. After discussion, the committee passed it as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. Later, SB 1307 by Sen. Jones, dealing with fraudulent or forged real estate documents and clouded titles, was amended to focus on voiding false instruments in criminal cases; supporters said it would help victims clear title more quickly, and the bill was moved forward on a do-pass motion to the floor. The committee also heard the beginning of SB 1276 by Sen. Rubio, which would clarify that viewing live-streamed or AI-generated child sexual exploitation content is a crime; the author said it closes a loophole created by new technology, and supportive testimony began from child exploitation prosecutors and treatment specialists.

Transcript Highlights:

• If anybody else did that, they'd be in jail right now, and they'd be looking at a really long sentence
• I understand that you could be jailed for one year under current law, which I think is pretty extreme
• It doesn't mean they are $5,000 and up to time in jail.
• There's no CDCR involvement in this bill because they do jail time, not prison time.
• And, you know, there's a lot of people that don't want people to go to jail. I get it.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's not the jail space for that. But my concern is what I hear on a daily basis.
• think it needs to be reframed that it's not either or it's they get to stay there or they're going to jail
• Either/or, it's they get to stay there or they're going to jail.
• I'd like to note that in the jails and in the prisons, there's a very strong culture of individuals being
• Chair, this, it would be not common to have the facilities necessarily, certainly in a jail where you

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if that officer decides I violated this law, I could go to jail for up to a year for peeing, washing
• I could go to jail for up to a year for peeing, washing my hands, or even being in the bathroom to grab
• So every single day when I'm out in public, I have to decide: do I feel like going to jail today, or
• Eventually, we could take that person to the jail, so to speak, and take their fingerprints and take
• This isn't about going to send anybody to jail.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, then took up House Bill 860, a cleanup bill tied to the 2024 medical parental rights law. Representative Ehart said the bill clarifies that schools and hospitals may provide non-emergency first aid, emergency treatment, suicide-related crisis support through 988, and care for pregnant minors without parental permission in certain circumstances, while also resolving conflicting language in existing statutes. Supporters included the Idaho Medical Association, Idaho 988, and several minors who described personal experiences with suicide crises and said the bill would prevent dangerous delays or hang-ups in crisis calls. The Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association raised a late concern about one subsection affecting criminal investigations and requested a narrow amendment. Despite that concern, the committee voted unanimously to send HB 860 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 680, which would require audio or video recording of all interviews of alleged child abuse victims unless good cause is shown otherwise. Representative Skaug said the bill would protect children, improve the reliability of interviews, and align Idaho practice with broader best practices. Testimony from the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and a virtual witness supported the bill as a way to preserve accurate records and reduce repeated questioning. The committee voted unanimously to send HB 680 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 752, which would create criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex public restrooms and changing rooms, with listed exceptions for things like maintenance, medical aid, law enforcement, emergencies, and single-user facilities. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and safety for women and girls and said existing law is insufficient; opponents said it would criminalize transgender people, invite harassment, be difficult to enforce, and could lead to discriminatory or unsafe confrontations. Law enforcement representatives said the bill would create enforcement problems because officers cannot reliably determine sex in a restroom setting and noted existing trespass laws already address unwanted presence. The committee heard from many public witnesses on both sides and then recessed for a break while testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a child, my father was in and out of LA County jails and in and out of our state prisons.
• We've transformed jail cells into music studios and fitness centers.
• We're in the jails. We're not safe, right?
• My boss, though, like, I'm talking about when I was in jail, I didn't understand nothing.
• I'm talking about he must have got bullied or something into where he came in jail.

Keywords: 988, house, all