Transcript Highlights:

• matter and decide what the charge needs to be, and that's usually done, thank goodness it's the prosecutors
• Thank goodness it's the prosecutors and not us.
• It provides that, upon the motion of a defendant or prosecutor or on the court's own motion, the court
• So, it would be like if the prosecutors or sheriff—I mean, sorry, the police or sheriff's office you
• So, it would be like if the prosecutors or sheriff—I mean, sorry, the police or sheriff's office you

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• It included members of the legislature, members of the judiciary, prosecutors from all counties, the
• c> from<01:04:04.160> all<01:04:04.280> counties,<01:04:04.840> the um prosecutors
• from all counties, the um prosecutors from all counties, the attorney<01:04:05.280> general,<
• He said there is not a contumacious payment statute that prosecutors can utilize if they truly believe
• <01:14:57.240> can payment statute that the prosecutors can payment statute that the prosecutors

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• But realistically, I think even the prosecutors would tell you that they are above standard in the number
• <00:23:47.760> would<00:23:48.000> tell think even the prosecutors would tell think
• even the prosecutors would tell you<00:23:48.640> that<00:23:49.280> that<00:23:49.760
• I'm the president of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association.
• president of the Mississippi Prosecutors president of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association.<01

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard first from the Office of State Public Defender, which said its core budget request was essentially level funding, with attorney and investigator pay raises already included because of the DA pay raise linkage. The main discussion focused on two initiatives: a rural public defense pilot in four counties and a Hinds County/Jackson public defense expansion. The pilot, funded last year with capital expense money, has formed a nonprofit, hired a director and staff, opened an office in Kosciusko, and began taking cases on October 1; most of its 44 cases involved day-one jail visits. The office said the project is intended to improve early representation, reduce jail time, and generate data, while not displacing local public defenders. For Hinds County, the office said new data show about 31% of cases originate from state-agency arrests, and it is seeking roughly $525,000 more to fully fund positions, bringing the total request to about $952,972 for five lawyers, an investigator, a legal secretary, and office expenses. Senators asked about funding sources and workload standards; the office said the pilot request had been submitted as general funds rather than capital expense, and that it is using weighted workload measures rather than strict national caseload standards. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office, represented by Deputy Attorney General Doug Miracle, who presented the FY 2027 budget request. The office requested $45.48 million total, including $35.31 million in general funds, which is a reduction from the prior year’s appropriation, but also requested a $1.58 million increase in salary funding. Miracle said the office is losing attorneys to other state agencies and district attorney offices because of salary caps and pay disparities, noting the Attorney General’s statutory salary cap of $150,000 and that more than 18 attorneys left last year. He said HB 1509 created higher pay levels for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, making retention harder for the Attorney General’s office, and asked for either the salary increase or authority to move funds between budget lines. Miracle also highlighted the office’s work on child welfare and human trafficking, noting that federal HHS officials were visiting Jackson to discuss foster children and that the office administers the state’s human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation fund. He said the office is working to reduce time children spend in state custody and support services for trafficking victims and foster youth. The committee discussed statewide youth court reform as well, with Miracle explaining that the office supports expert recommendations and a plan that could create 25 youth court positions in 20 chancery districts at an estimated $10 million, based on DHS and AOC data and a model using state-employed and contract lawyers. No votes were taken during the excerpted meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I think I'm going to defer my question till after I hear from the prosecutors, just because I want
• She may answer or they may answer it. >> So, we'll have our prosecutors come forward, if you would.
• As a prosecutor, my goal is that adult, child, anybody gets a fair trial and their fair day in court,
• As a prosecutor, my goal is that adult, child, anybody gets a fair trial and their fair day in court,
• talk to prosecutors talk to prosecutors in<00:47:37.480> these<00:47:37.720> states

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, so that was already a frustrating thing to hear from the prosecutor.
• <00:02:35.920> the frustrating thing to hear from the frustrating thing to hear from the prosecutor
• . prosecutor. prosecutor.
• Prosecutors can simultaneously, or at a later date, bring offenders to justice regardless of whether
• 29:55.480> at<01:29:55.600> a Prosecutors can simultaneously, or at a Prosecutors can simultaneously

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• our as you can see from the handout, our investigators<00:52:49.839> and<00:52:50.000> prosecutors
• and prosecutors are good at<00:52:50.880> what<00:52:51.040> they<00:52:51.200> do.
• We're the investigators<00:53:09.440> and<00:53:09.599> prosecutors,<00:53:10.240> but
• <00:53:10.400> we investigators and prosecutors, but we investigators and prosecutors, but
• 17.280> dedicated People right now, and it's a dedicated group of skilled investigators, prosecutors

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• This provides loan repayment funds to public defenders and prosecutors in the state.
• one to three years, depending on whether or not they've received it in the past as a full-time prosecutor
• <00:48:26.880> in<00:48:27.000> the public defenders and prosecutors in the public
• defenders and prosecutors in the State<00:48:28.200> uh<00:48:28.319> the<00:48:28.480>
• or public defender full-time prosecutor or public defender in<00:48:40.240> the<00:48:40.400>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It expands the types of crimes where a prosecutor must notify a victim when they decide to decline to
• Prosecutors are best suited to give this notice as they have victim contact information and are already
• um and our main goal of our prosecutors um and our main goal of our Advocates<00:16:19.440> is
• We took out a lot of the judicial things and prosecutor oversight, um.
• <01:32:17.400> oversight<01:32:18.400> um prosecutor oversight um prosecutor oversight

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I'm saying is, if it's two adults, then it's really a discretionary decision of the prosecutor
• But what I'm saying is, if it's two adults, then it's really a discretionary decision of the prosecutor
• <00:47:35.720> healthc<00:47:36.000> Care agencies prosecutors healthc Care agencies
• prosecutors healthc Care Professionals<00:47:37.119> Children's<00:47:37.599> Services
• I think, first of all, speaking for the small amount of prosecutors in our office that do it, we are

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• someone is openly smoking, vaping, or using drugs in a school zone, law enforcement can act, and prosecutors
• someone is openly smoking, vaping, or using drugs in a school zone, law enforcement can act, and prosecutors
• someone is openly smoking, vaping, or using drugs in a school zone, law enforcement can act, and prosecutors
• someone is openly smoking, vaping, or using drugs in a school zone, law enforcement can act, and prosecutors

Bills: HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, HR179, HR180, HR181, HR182, HR183, HR185, HR186, HR187, HCR75, HCR76, HCR77, HCR78, HCR79, SCR24, SCR36, SCR39, SB64, SB107, SB152, SB185, SB217, SB232, SB278, SB290, SB294, SB320, SB321, SB419, SB424, SB436, SB440, SB468, SB470, SB476, SB482, SB489, HCR32, SCR11, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB679, HB745, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1193, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB256, SB180, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB786, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB368, HB433, HB441, HB447, HB466, HB481, HB741, HB1242, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, HB615, HB864, HB1103, HB1175, HB31, HB225, HB608, HB664, HB897, HB977, HB1003, HB1160, HB1180, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB772, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1189, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Transcript Highlights:

• Prosecutors can enter into agreements with defendants who are eligible, and they offer an array of services
• Prosecutors<00:41:29.920> can<00:41:30.079> enter<00:41:30.240> into<00:41:30.560
• > agreements Prosecutors can enter into agreements Prosecutors can enter into agreements with<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• are also advancing legislation to create a specific offense for organized retail theft, allowing prosecutors
• retail specific offense for organized retail theft,<01:43:36.880> allowing<01:43:37.360> prosecutors
• /c><01:43:37.920> to<01:43:38.080> hold<01:43:38.320> ring theft, allowing prosecutors
• to hold ring theft, allowing prosecutors to hold ring leaders<01:43:38.960> accountable,<01:43

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're trying to give that the time period for a prosecutor to file an appeal.
• And we're trying to give that the time period for a prosecutor to file an appeal.
• And we're trying to give that the time period for a prosecutor to file an appeal.
• And we're trying to give that the time period for a prosecutor to file an appeal.
• Then all we end up doing is incentivizing prosecutors and the court system to collect money more so than

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I work outside the legislature as a prosecutor in the eastern half of the Twin Cities and I see every
• I've actually taken the oath repeatedly, not just in this role, but in my work as a prosecutor of domestic
• I've actually taken the oath repeatedly, not just in this role, but in my work as a prosecutor of domestic
• <00:31:39.679> of<00:31:40.159> um in my work as a prosecutor of um in my work as a
• prosecutor of um [snorts]<00:31:40.480> domestic<00:31:40.880> assault<00:31:41.200>

Bills: HF3351

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun control, gun safety, local control, home rule, preemption, municipal regulation, county regulation, city ordinances, zoning, firearm dealers, gun dealers, ammunition, carry permits, permit to carry, pistols, Saturday night special, metal-penetrating bullets, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a locally elected office with a local prosecutor, and, uh, the Secretary of State can be supportive
• It's a locally elected office with a local prosecutor, and, uh, the Secretary of State can be supportive
• It's a locally elected office with a local prosecutor, and, uh, the Secretary of State can be supportive
• It's a locally elected office with a local prosecutor, and, uh, the Secretary of State can be supportive
• It's a locally elected office with a local prosecutor, and the Secretary of State can be supportive in

Bills: SF0069, SF0070, SF0016, HB0078, HJ0002, HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It's also voluntary for both the prosecutor and the public defender or who the defense attorney
• into it's a voluntary program to choose to go into it or not. >> It's also voluntary for both the prosecutor
• into it's a voluntary program to choose to go into it or not. >> It's also voluntary for both the prosecutor
• the >> It's also voluntary for both the >> It's also voluntary for both the prosecutor
• and the public defender or prosecutor and the public defender or who<01:21:51.520> the<01:21:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The briefing focused on the Hawaii State Hospital’s overcrowding, construction defects in the new addition, and how Act 26 and related court-ordered processes are affecting admissions and discharges. The chair said the hospital has become increasingly forensic-focused, has lost beds after the closure of Kahimohala, and may face further costs and possible litigation over the defective addition. Hospital and Department of Health officials said they are working with the attorney general and contractors on repairs, and that the hospital is currently using all 292 licensed beds, including 13 waiver beds, while average daily census last fiscal year was 376. Officials explained that the high census is driven by both increased admissions and discharge barriers. They said the loss of Kahimohala returned patients to the state hospital, and that Act 26-related petty misdemeanor cases are contributing to admissions. They also said limited lower-level placement options delay discharges. Hospital staff reported that many patients are repeat admissions, about 22% were unhoused before admission, and a significant share are in categories such as fitness-to-proceed evaluations and conditional-release violations. They said these groups could potentially be reduced if evaluations were done elsewhere and if more community or supportive housing were available. The chair and senators questioned whether some fitness-to-proceed detainees need to be held at the state hospital at all, and whether the Clark consent order requires transfer to the hospital. The attorney general’s office said the Clark injunction does not govern unfitness-to-proceed cases; instead, the requirement comes from state statute, and the statute could be changed. Director Johnson said DCR cannot keep such detainees because the court orders them into the custody of the Department of Health, and the department cannot provide the needed therapeutic level of care in a correctional setting. The discussion also emphasized co-occurring substance use and mental illness, especially among petty misdemeanor defendants, and the need for supportive housing and a decompression plan to reduce readmissions and free beds for civil commitments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prosecutor then presents that to the court, and I think the court makes that judgment based on the
• So we'll give the court and obviously their attorney and the prosecutor this is what they did for us.
• this is what attorney and the prosecutor this is what they<01:05:44.000> did<01:05:44.160>
• They shift the power from judges to prosecutors and distort the plea bargaining process.
• , he went on to indirectly prosecutor, he went on to indirectly help<01:33:58.400> thousands<01

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hamas chose war, and the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has made a parody of justice, and he needs to find
• Hamas chose war, and the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has made a parody of justice, and he needs to find
• <01:05:55.039> to court from judges and prosecutors to court from judges and prosecutors to
• In June, the ICC's prosecutor had just only requested warrants.
• The prosecutor had just only requested warrants. The warrants had not yet been issued or approved.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a prosecutor and attorney general, and I can tell you, This isn't right.
• I was a prosecutor and attorney general, and I can tell you, none of this makes us safer.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker. Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media. The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• creates a grant program through the Department of Public Safety to support dedicated teams of police, prosecutors
• And he and his prosecutors have been the glue in this effort.

Keywords: 1183, house