Transcript Highlights:

• </c> section 8 and the tenant also has to pay section 8 and the tenant also has to pay a<00:36:52.240
• </c> tenant that chooses or is not paying tenant that chooses or is not paying their<00:37:22.880><c>
• </c> that aren't paying the tenants share. that aren't paying the tenants share.
• But it raises a different visits.
• </c> raise a point of order. raise a point of order.

Transcript Highlights:

• When anti-Semitism raises its head, when prejudice masks itself as progress, we cannot sit idly by.
• In 2005, Mayor Lurie founded Tipping Point Community, where he raised over $500 million to house, employ
• incredible leaders, and their continued work to close the pay equity gap and inspire the next generation
• Californians pay the second highest energy rates in the nation.
• to a paragraph that made this resolution impossible to support, and it's a concern that I want to raise

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• to benefit the people of California, both our budget, as well as the cost of drugs that Californians pay
• Our hospitals are going to have to pay for that uncompensated care.
• Here to testify on the bill today are Tony Lopresti, the chair of the Civil Prosecutors Coalition and
• The Civil Prosecutors Coalition is proud to support SB 1099.
• The Civil Prosecutors Coalition requests your support for this bill. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The Senate Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, research funding, consumer protection, and insurance administration. SB 895 by Sen. Wiener would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support scientific and health research in California; supporters from UC, labor, and patient groups said it would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership amid federal funding cuts, while the committee later voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Natural Resources and Water. SB 944 would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds; acupuncture providers, patients, health systems, and API community advocates testified in strong support, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 987, which would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes under H.R. 1 reduce Medi-Cal enrollment and redirect those funds to care for people who lose coverage and to reimburse safety-net providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, hospital, and reproductive health groups; members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and safety-net needs, and the bill was moved on a unanimous vote to Appropriations. SB 964 would let a licensed provider adjust the dose or frequency of an already covered medication up to two times without prior authorization when clinically appropriate, with Crohn’s and Colitis advocates describing delays that harmed patients and insurers warning about safety and cost concerns; after committee discussion about off-label use and clinical safeguards, the bill passed 11-0 and was sent to Appropriations. Later, SB 1099 clarified local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA, with city and county counsel and local officials saying it would preserve flexibility for homeless outreach, street medicine, crisis lines, and other low-barrier services; it passed 11-0 and was re-referred to Human Services. SB 1033 would require protein product manufacturers to test for heavy metals and disclose results, prompted by Consumer Reports findings and supported by consumer, health, and women’s health groups; industry witnesses asked for narrower scope and source-level testing, and the committee voted 11-0 to pass it as amended and send it to Environmental Quality. The committee then began SB 1049, which would give providers a 90-day window after a plan’s latest action to correct certain claim errors and prevent denials based solely on missed filing deadlines; the author said it would address honest billing mistakes and recoupments, and the bill was introduced with support from medical groups and ongoing discussions with health plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• very good before you proceed<00:02:47.640><c> if</c><00:02:47.760><c> you'll</c><00:02:47.920><c> raise
• ><00:02:48.080><c> your</c><00:02:48.159><c> right</c><00:02:48.319><c> hand</c> proceed if you'll raise
• your right hand proceed if you'll raise your right hand please<00:02:49.120><c> do</c><00:02:49.200>
• The chair welcomed him and asked him to introduce himself after raising his right hand and swearing to
• your right hand do you solemnly raise your right hand do you solemnly swear<00:08:17.680><c> to</c><

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum, recognized a student page from Covington Catholic High School, and then took up House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway. The resolution would create a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Act task force to study restoration of civil and voting rights for people who have served their sentences and shown rehabilitation. Callaway said the task force would include legislators and representatives from state offices and advocacy groups, and she noted the issue should receive serious attention as part of civic participation and reentry. Members asked about differences between the House resolution and a similar Senate measure. Callaway explained that her version was more specific about membership and included state agency representatives and advocacy organizations. Representative Blacket said he preferred the House version and noted expungement had also been discussed. Representative Marzian said she would vote no, arguing the Secretary of State already handles election integrity and that the proposal was unnecessary and costly. Representative Roberts supported the resolution, saying the current process for restoring voting rights can be expensive and lengthy. The resolution passed with favorable consideration. The committee then heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Bill 126 from Senator Chris McDaniel, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power. McDaniel argued the power has been abused and said the amendment would not eliminate pardons, but would restrict them to the 60 days before an election and the period between the gubernatorial election and inauguration so voters could weigh in. He cited high-profile pardons and commutations as examples and said the measure had previously been supported by law enforcement groups. Representative Lockard and another member expressed support, saying pardon power can be undemocratic and that the timing of mass pardons after elections is troubling. McDaniel said the 60-day window was chosen as a practical period for information to reach voters. No vote was taken on the bill, and the meeting adjourned after a visiting district judge was recognized.

Transcript Highlights:

• clear structure for prosecutors and law clear structure for prosecutors and law enforcement<00:24:09.279
• </c><00:25:45.960><c> in</c> approach that will give prosecutors in approach that will give prosecutors
• </c> suffering however the prosecutors suffering however the prosecutors successfully<01:27:11.800><c
• Nobody raised any concerns.
• Nobody raised any issues with us, so we had no idea that there was any other sort of concerns raised

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we started with two prosecutors dedicated.
• So you tell me that—that's how I'm living. 60 to 80 per prosecutor. Yeah.
• to our independent pharmacists that they pay to acquire a drug.
• LBI and prosecutors. So mostly they're LBI. They're mostly investigations.
• A comprehensive plan was done with the assistance of civil service's pay plan, your own legislative pay

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first reviewed the Department of Justice FY 2027 budget, which was presented at $117.8 million, with most funding coming from statutory dedications and the largest program areas being criminal law/Medicaid fraud and civil law. The Attorney General described major work in Troop NOLA, Medicaid fraud, opioid and PBM litigation, and especially child exploitation and online predator investigations. She said ICAC tips are rising sharply, local law enforcement partnerships have expanded, and her office needs more analysts, more permanent positions, and more expenditure authority for the legal support fund and related programs. Members asked about case backlogs, staffing, settlement funds, and whether more resources could be directed toward outreach, mental health, and technology; the Attorney General said she wants to expand cyber capacity, training, and prevention efforts, and that some settlement recoveries are being used to support existing programs and fraud enforcement. Committee members also focused heavily on child safety, truancy, and mental health. Several representatives described local concerns about online exploitation, trafficking, self-harm, and the need for school-based training and community outreach. The Attorney General said she wants a broader prevention strategy involving parents, schools, and behavioral health resources, and she discussed using outreach models such as anti-vaping campaigns and town halls. On opioid settlement oversight, members raised concerns about the size of the funds and the need for stronger state oversight; the Attorney General agreed more structure and compliance monitoring would be useful and said drug courts and treatment programs are effective investments. The committee then moved to the judicial branch budget presentation. The judiciary requested $229.6 million in FY 2027, plus $5.6 million in one-time funding, with most of the budget coming from state general fund. The presentation highlighted increases for judge salaries, staff pay adjustments, health insurance, operating costs, and 17 unfunded positions, along with one-time requests for security and technology upgrades. Chief Justice John Weimer and other justices said the budget would help core court functions and statewide programs such as CASA, drug courts, and FINS, and they emphasized the need for better staffing and technology in the courts. A major discussion centered on truancy and the FINS program. Justice Griffin said statewide collaboration with education officials had reduced truancy and that FINS officers are trained to identify children who may be runaways or trafficking victims. The justices and members supported expanding FINS so every judicial district has coverage, and they said the program helps keep children out of deeper system involvement. Members also asked about security funding, technology improvements, and the 17 unfunded positions, which were described as mostly clerical, IT, and support roles in appellate and district courts. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's frequently raised.
• </c> Now, that's something that prosecutors Now, that's something that prosecutors looked<01:03:35.320
• </c> definition that raise some concerns. definition that raise some concerns.
• </c> uh provisions, which we think also raise uh provisions, which we think also raise some<01:28:38.680
• </c><02:24:40.040><c> the</c> business entity by either raising the business entity by either raising

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paying for that pay raise with surplus funds instead of revenue from the current biennium put an undue
• </c><00:03:21.680><c> for</c><00:03:21.879><c> that</c><00:03:22.080><c> pay</c><00:03:22.280><c> raise
• </c> important uh paying for that pay raise important uh paying for that pay raise with<00:03:22.799>
• One I wanted to know: is there included in your budget a pay raise for state employees?
• </c> recipients to pay and co-pays uh would recipients to pay and co-pays uh would be<00:41:27.680><c

Summary: The Finance Committee heard a briefing from the governor on her recommended fiscal years 2026-2027 budget. She described it as a “recalibration” that reduces general fund spending by about $150 million from the prior budget, avoids tax increases, and aims to protect vulnerable residents while supporting the economy. She said the proposal addresses a projected current-biennium deficit, cites lower-than-expected revenues and off-budget spending, and includes a hiring freeze and other spending reductions. The governor also said the budget is built on current revenue estimates developed with the Department of Revenue Administration and the state’s chief economist. Major policy areas discussed included education, public safety, health and human services, housing, and workforce development. The governor said the budget increases spending on public education and special education, expands Education Freedom Accounts to public school students, funds a cell-phone-free classroom grant program, continues the community college tuition freeze, and supports workforce training. She also highlighted investments in the Group II retirement system for first responders, Northern Border Alliance and drug interdiction efforts, child advocacy and victim services, mental health services, developmental disability services with no wait list, and a streamlined housing permitting process with a 60-day review target. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal assumptions, the impact of possible federal funding changes, the Education Freedom Account expansion, dam infrastructure funding, and workforce issues such as state employee pay and vacant positions. The governor said the budget continues funding for federal programs currently assumed, and that she would advocate for block grants and other federal flexibility. On dams, administration officials said the budget includes about $13 million in capital funding, with possible fee increases under consideration. On staffing, the governor said the budget funds the previously bargained 12% state employee increase, includes eight position reductions tied to program changes, and would allow those employees to be rehired if openings arise. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><00:49:11.200><c> vast</c> prosecutor pointed out, the vast prosecutor pointed out, the vast
• Uh, judiciary &gt;&gt; Thank you, prosecutor.
• </c> first concern is that this bill raises first concern is that this bill raises first<01:08:56.400
• We prosecutor for proposing the measure.
• <c> to</c><01:30:29.280><c> put</c><01:30:29.440><c> forth</c> prosecutor for trying to put forth prosecutor

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers. The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts. HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, when they pay out of pocket or pay using funds and they have to repay that, those funds go
• confident in taking to trial, but removing those that a prosecutor dismissed or took no action on.
• So, kudos to prosecutors who very delicately and sensitively walked that line.
• But it's squatters, people who go in, pay for a night, and stay a month. Follow-up question, Mr.
• You don't give the prosecutor the tools to negotiate like that.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long series of criminal justice, public safety, victim protection, and regulatory bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements, SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, SB 1072 creating an expedited DNA testing grant program, SB 1140 establishing a Hillsborough County criminal offender substance abuse pilot program, SB 1266 revising public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement identities, SB 1546 delaying and refining background screening requirements for athletic coaches, SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings related to terrorism victims, SB 1444 making a broad set of criminal justice changes, SB 240 on domestic and dating violence protections, SB 606 clarifying public lodging and food service removal procedures for nonpaying guests, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving people with significant medical conditions, SB 44 increasing penalties for impersonating law enforcement with unauthorized red or blue lights, SB 1000 expanding court-ordered sealing options, SB 1400 requiring platforms to remove altered sexual depictions, and SB 1696 addressing rideshare impersonation and transit service rules. Many of these bills were amended before final passage, often with strike-all amendments or technical changes, and several had support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, or industry representatives. Testimony was generally supportive on the public safety and victim-protection bills, with speakers emphasizing faster DNA testing, better protections for domestic violence survivors, clearer rules for hotel and motel operators, and stronger tools against fraud, impersonation, and trafficking. Some bills drew notable concerns or opposition. SB 1266 prompted questions about whether a 72-hour cooling-off period for officer identities could be extended too broadly, while SB 606 drew concerns that the bill could affect families living in hotels or extended stays during the housing affordability crisis. SB 1444 generated discussion about false reporting language, off-duty carry for prosecutors and judges, and the scope of automatic sealing changes. SB 1000’s expanded sealing relief received broad support but was narrowed by amendments excluding certain offenses such as DUI and indecent exposure. The most contentious measure was SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for trafficking a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation. The sponsor argued it targets the most severe trafficking cases and includes safeguards such as excluding minors from capital punishment and preserving life imprisonment if the capital procedure is invalidated. Opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional for non-homicide crimes, costly, and ineffective, and committee members raised concerns about whether the bill would incentivize traffickers to kill victims to avoid identification. Debate also touched on broader concerns about the death penalty’s constitutionality and whether life imprisonment is a more severe punishment. The transcript ends during that debate, without a final vote on SB 1804 included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is simply asking them to pay attention that they don't need to... ...specifically.
• And I would just like to ask them to please pay attention because we care.
• I'm playing prosecutor now, but I'm saying that's what it is.
• At a grand jury or a thoughtful prosecutor, just like it always has been.
• You can, you can raise your hand if any of you, if any of you You can raise your hand if any of you in

Bills: HR257 , HR258 , HR259 , HR260 , HR261 , HR262 , HR263 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , SB83 , SB143 , SB155 , SB228 , SB283 , SB295 , SB338 , SB388 , SB408 , SB431 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HB302 , HB597 , HB819 , HB1257 , HB1258 , SCR24 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB357 , SB406 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HR9 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB79 , HB251 , HB625 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , HB682 , HB766 , HB926 , HB998 , HB1051 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB603 , HB940 , HB1191 , SB47 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and former members, including student groups, arts educators, rodeo queens, and Congressman Troy Carter, who urged members not to let partisan divisions harm Louisiana. Representative Newell also delivered a lengthy floor statement tying current voting-rights debates to civil rights concerns and warning against weakening protections for Black communities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports, and several resolutions and bills were advanced or referred in routine order. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to House resolutions, many of them memorials or study requests. The House adopted resolutions supporting a physical therapy degree designation for federal loan purposes, honoring veterans who served in Honduras, extending a behavioral health courts study, seeking bridge-removal funding for U.S. 90 in St. Tammany Parish, urging DOTD studies on local traffic projects, requesting a study of rural economic development, supporting Camp Beauregard and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, creating a permit-study committee, and asking for studies on autism services, school nurse orientation, opioid treatment in correctional settings, floodplain map updates, and care gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One resolution on rent stabilization failed, and another on pregnancy-related emergency medication was returned to the calendar after questions about its implications. The chamber also concurred in or rejected several Senate amendments to House bills. Concurrences included bills on arrest warrant recall procedures, disturbing the peace near places of worship, rape and sex offense provisions, bridge naming, holiday rules, victim confidentiality, and the classic black license plate. The House rejected Senate amendments to HB 258 on dual office holding and dual employment. The most contentious item was HB 102, which would create second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities but was amended in the Senate to add broader first-degree murder provisions tied to firearms and public shootings; members raised concerns about self-defense, overcharging, capital punishment exposure, and fiscal impact on the public defender system. Despite those objections, supporters argued the changes would deter violent crime and protect the public, and the bill was ultimately supported in floor debate as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fundamental rights of parents in raising fundamental rights of parents in raising and<00:05:26.680
• </c> specific locations how much they pay specific locations how much they pay what<02:15:34.040><c>
• </c><02:29:53.120><c> the</c> our proposals um such as um raising the our proposals um such as um raising
• They're forced there either to pay back a debt or somewhat against their will.
• These women typically are there to pay a debt.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Born and raised in Hawaii. Born and raised in Hawaii.
• </c> voter registration and may re- raise voter registration and may re- raise concerns<00:48:21.480>
• raises citizenship verification It raises citizenship verification questions. questions. questions.
• </c><01:14:46.800><c> restitution</c> the clients are not paying restitution the clients are not paying
• . pay. pay.

Bills: SB2041

Committee: Senate Judiciary

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:

• overtime to try to get those paying overtime to try to get those tickets<00:16:45.920><c> processed.
• ,</c><00:24:11.920><c> one</c> they waste cuz as a prosecutor, one they waste cuz as a prosecutor, one
• So then they're paying me overtime to come in during the day to do that.
• So, then they're paying me my shift.
• You raise your right hand. Is that you? And are you attesting that that's I'm watching you sign it?

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move on to the panel from our prosecutors.
• We will now move on to the panel from our prosecutors.
• It takes prosecutor time.
• Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, 3.8A, specific for prosecutors, it says that a prosecutor is
• So there are ethical obligations of a prosecutor to be proactive in that sense.

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whenever there was a video—a good video—it was almost always game over as a prosecutor.
• And they say, well, it's the prosecutors. I call the prosecutors, and they say it's the judges.
• I was born and raised in Espanola. I left after 17 years, and 41 years later, I came back.
• Because when the governor calls upon these resources to be used, the state pays for them.
• Whereas when the president calls upon these resources, the federal government pays for them.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:13:12.560><c> detectives,</c> than the 300 prosecutors, detectives, than the 300 prosecutors
• ,</c><00:14:15.600><c> law</c> toolkit for prosecutors, law toolkit for prosecutors, law enforcement,
• These gaps would affect everything from paying colleagues to paying county attorney offices and even
• These gaps would affect everything from paying colleagues to paying county attorney offices and even
• So that's the ask. formula off the top um to pay for some formula off the top um to pay for some of<00

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process. Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work. Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone is paying attention.
• Also, there was a pay discrepancy involving... ...our presiding judges.
• Because the judicial pay raise bill passed, their pay has increased. ...and said that was too much money
• It also raises the degree of control that the state retains.
• Why is Texas, the state I was raised in and have grown to love?

Bills: SB10 , SB16 , SB6 , SB 6 , SB 10 , SB 16

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• prosecutors in different counties together.
• I do not represent any other prosecutors.
• The prosecutors couldn't prosecute them the way they needed to work.
• I would ask them all to raise their hand, but we can't do that.
• I would say those same things about our county prosecutors.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we wanted to do prosecutors, we wanted to do public defenders.
• Ashley Clark: The incentive for the school is, you know, we pay for educating the kids, but we pay for
• The incentive for the school is, you know, we pay for educating the kids, but we pay for schools by seat
• The incentive for the school is, you know, we pay for educating the kids, but we pay for schools by seat
• The incentive for the school is, you know, we pay for educating the kids, but we pay for schools by seat

Committee: House Judiciary