Transcript Highlights:

• any system for the registration of firearms, firearm owners, or firearm transactions.
• You know, you can transpose a serial number on a firearm can be quite a few digits.
• > uh serial number on a firearm can be uh serial number on a firearm can be uh quite<01:42:58.320
• so finish, firearm, serial number, and so finish, firearm, serial number, and so on.<02:08:19.040
• firearms purchase. firearms purchase.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received a series of messages on bills that had been correctly printed, engrossed, re-engrossed, revised, or transmitted from the House and Revisor. The chamber also introduced and laid over several resolutions, including SJR 22 on Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, SJR 23 recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, and SR 006 for National Donate Life Month. The Senate then paused for personal privilege remarks recognizing military families and public safety telecommunicators, including a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed SB 20, concerning child care provider licensing and related regulatory changes, with four no votes, and SB 137, concerning administrative burden reduction, unanimously. The chamber also passed SB 140, exempting certain drugs from affordability reviews, by a 20-15 vote; SB 141, concerning optional wildlife-related motor vehicle registration fees and wildlife crossings, by a 28-7 vote; SB 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, by a 23-12 vote; HB 1332, concerning the legislative department cash fund, unanimously; HB 1333, concerning payment of legislative department expenses, unanimously; and SB 80, creating the cradle-to-career grant program, by a 31-4 vote. SB 90 was laid over until April 14. The Senate also adopted a third-reading amendment to HB 1331, reducing the appropriation further, and then passed HB 1331 on third reading by a 33-2 vote. In general orders, the Senate laid over HB 1071, SB 134, and HB 1084 to later dates. The committee then took up HB 1126, dealing with firearms dealer requirements, where the sponsor described new security, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement provisions; opponents argued it would burden small businesses and drive dealers out of state. Amendment L58, which would have required a small business impact analysis, failed, and the transcript cuts off amid debate on amendment L59, which would require a public stakeholder meeting before finalizing the rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• firearm is fired.
• firearms roster.
• firearm.
• So it's a legal firearm.
• As far as smart firearms or personal firearms, I've purchased two of the firearms in Biofire.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• classify as a firearm. classify as a firearm.
• firearm in their life. firearm in their life.
• own firearms. own firearms.
• I'm not a firearms expert, so firearm.
• firearm space. firearm space.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum present, approved the February 27, 2026 journal, and then moved out of order to consider resolutions. Senate Resolution 003, designating March as Arts Education Month in Colorado, was read at length and supported by Senators Snyder and Basley, who emphasized the educational, social, and economic value of arts instruction and noted concerns about unequal access across the state. Senator Coleman and Senator Danielson also spoke in support, highlighting personal experiences with the arts and the importance of preserving arts programs in schools. The resolution passed unanimously, 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber then adopted House Joint Resolution 1019, recognizing Caregiving Youth Day. Senator Judah described caregiving youth as children and teens who provide substantial care for family members while balancing school and other responsibilities, citing statewide and national data on the prevalence of youth caregivers and the risks they face. Senator Gonzales also spoke in support, urging the legislature to recognize and support this often invisible work. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate next took up third-reading consent calendar House Bill 1035, which enacts the 2025 Colorado Revised Statutes as positive and statutory law; it passed 32-3, with Senators Baisley, Lynda Zamora Wilson, and Long voting no. Senate Bill 53, expanding eligible borrowers for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority mortgages, then passed 29-6 after no-vote requests from Senators Zamora Wilson, Amabile, Sullivan, Hinrichsen, Baisley, and R. Pelton. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, passed 23-12 after several no-vote requests, and Senate Bill 43, concerning regulation of firearm barrel transfers and related criminal penalties, was introduced for final passage with Senator Zamora Wilson delivering extended opposition focused on Second Amendment and fiscal concerns; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• to that bill, and they found like in less than 2% of the cases were these hearings happening and firearms
• And there's a really good firearms.
• were um these hearings<00:03:55.760> happening<00:03:56.239> and<00:03:56.799> firearms
• <00:03:57.360> were hearings happening and firearms were hearings happening and firearms were
• <00:39:56.400> uh federal restriction is the firearms uh federal restriction is the firearms

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• Just trying to make sure that those who are sending firearms across the border and illegally onto the

Bills: HB2043, HB2046, HB2126, HB2131, HB2132, HB2133, HB2223, HB2265, HB2411, HB2666

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform, venue, employee conflict, superior court, legal proceedings, workplace disputes, weapons, explosives, trafficking, firearm regulations

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice and victims’ rights bills. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain element from weapons/explosives trafficking and impose stricter sentencing, including no early release for trafficking three or more weapons; it received a due pass recommendation on a 6-1 vote. HB 2132 would lower the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjust related motor-vehicle language; supporters said it would help prosecutors and law enforcement, while opponents warned it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current prosecutions. It passed 4-3. HB 2223 would require sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name with the old name as an alias; it passed 6-1. The committee also considered HB 2411, creating the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering abortion-inducing drugs without a pregnant woman’s knowledge or consent. Supporters argued existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents said assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and warned the bill was unnecessary and aimed at abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2043 would add unborn children to the felony-murder statute; supporters called it a cleanup measure closing a loophole, while opponents said it was an abortion/personhood measure with broader implications. It passed 4-3. HB 2046 would require victims of sex offenses to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review matters involving young sex offenders; victims and prosecutors said the change would ensure meaningful participation, and it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2666 would increase penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when committed by an adult, and it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2265 would eliminate court fees and assessments tied to public defenders, jury trials, appeals, and related criminal-case charges; supporters framed it as protecting constitutional rights, while counties warned of lost revenue, and it passed 7-0. Finally, HB 2133 would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify consent and age of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions as images; the sponsor said it was meant to curb CSAM and revenge porn, while testifiers raised concerns about breadth, record retention, and constitutional issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and it will be firearms and related items. Any questions?
• Uh and it will be firearms and August.
• Uh and it will be firearms and related<00:07:54.479> items.
• understand this is on all firearms. understand this is on all firearms.
• >> Well, if I was going to buy a firearm, do I just go in and buy it?

Bills: HB187, HB98, HB360, HB394, HB398, HB388, HB187, HB98, HB360, HB394, HB398, HB388

Keywords: school safety, emergency response, training, public safety, Alyssa's Law, law enforcement, scholarship, tuition assistance, dependent education, Alabama, blackout license plate, HB360, Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, sales tax holiday, firearms, guns, ammunition, bullets, primers, gun accessories

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB41, SB43, SB49, 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

Bills: SB7, SB22, SB39, SB40, SB45, SB46, SB86, SB95, SB107, SB7, SB22, SB39, SB40, SB45, SB46, SB86, SB95, SB107

Keywords: voting rights, absentee ballot, protected classes, Alabama Voting Rights Act, felony conviction, election integrity, preclearance, Alabama Jobs Act, incentives, job creation, economic development, recapture provisions, capital investment, employment, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40

Transcript Highlights:

• already legally allowed to own a firearm already legally allowed to own a firearm are<00:03:24.720
• “The act of carrying a firearm is covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment.
• <00:07:41.520> is adults the act of carrying of firearm is adults the act of carrying of firearm
• <00:07:54.840> for to carry a concealed firearm for to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense
• better job of getting these serial better job of getting these serial abusers<00:47:10.000> you

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Firearm dealers are required to keep records, which include manufacturer, model, serial number, type
• , firearm owners, or firearms transactions or dispositions be established.
• These include purchaser names, addresses, dates of birth, firearm details, make, model, serial number
• These include purchaser names, addresses, dates of birth, firearm details, make, model, serial number
• details, make, model, birth, firearm details, make, model, serial<02:32:00.720> number.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber. Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prevents a person from possessing a firearm or requires them to relinquish any firearms they own.
• Because possessing a firearm is construed as having access to a firearm, the protective order effectively
• Yet, an individual convicted of possessing or trafficking a firearm with an obliterated serial number
• A person who knowingly possesses or transfers a firearm with an obliterated serial number presents an
• , prevent firearms offenders from immediately regaining access to firearms, strengthen accountability

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

Transcript Highlights:

• firearm to the lawful possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
• Thank you for your support. amendment shifts the focus from serial amendment shifts the focus from serial
• <00:02:27.120> to criminal activity with the firearm to criminal activity with the firearm
• <00:02:29.040> by the lawful possession of firearms by the lawful possession of firearms by
• <00:04:51.440> to offenders and those who use firearms to offenders and those who use firearms

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3380, a bill by Representative Hudson aimed at repeat violent felony offenders who use firearms. Hudson said the bill would require aggravated sentencing, up to the statutory maximum, for people convicted of three or more violent felonies involving firearms, with no probation, parole, early release, or work release. He argued the measure was needed because repeat offenders cycle through the system and because downward departures are too common, especially in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Dave Zimmer, a former law enforcement officer and public safety policy fellow, testified in support, saying the bill would tighten loopholes, restore consequences for repeat violent offenders, and help victims of violent crime. Representative Pinto questioned the bill’s need and structure, asking for specific examples of the problem and raising concerns about separation of powers, the breadth of the lookback into prior convictions, and whether the bill actually required a full maximum sentence or could be satisfied by only a small upward departure. He also noted that sentencing departures are public and can be challenged. Representative Mohler similarly pressed for clarification on the statistics Hudson cited, referenced sentencing guidelines data showing different departure rates across counties, and said departures can sometimes reflect victim preferences or evidentiary difficulties. Hudson responded that the bill was simple, that any ambiguity about firearm involvement would likely not count, and that the point was to ensure sentences could not go down for repeat armed violent offenders. After discussion, the chair announced that an amendment, DE2, was out of order. The committee then laid House File 3380 over, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is illegal to convert any firearm into full auto. illegal.
• It is illegal to convert any firearm into full auto.
• And the ghost gun is something that has no serial number.
• And the ghost gun is something that has no serial number.
• They're guns that have been stolen and serial numbers have been scraped off of them.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prevents a person from possessing a firearm or requires them to relinquish any firearms they own.
• Because possessing a firearm is construed as having access to a firearm, the protective order effectively
• Yet, an individual convicted of possessing or trafficking a firearm with an obliterated serial number
• A person who knowingly possesses or transfers a firearm with an obliterated serial number presents an
• , prevent firearms offenders from immediately regaining access to firearms, strengthen accountability

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disposition information, including the serial numbers of firearms sold, dates of sale, and identities
• These firearms.
• I immediately reported that firearm and the serial number to law enforcement, and today it remains a
• stolen firearm.
• Several firearms sales require federal documentation. Every serial number is recorded.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 332 is a firearm safety education in schools for grades K through 12.

Bills: HB4274, HB3076, HB4358, HB3312, HB3288, HB3885

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Bills: HB 186, HB 201, HB 229, HB 796, HB 1506, HB 2702, HB 2885, HB 3225, HB 3909, HB 4285, HB 5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got things like 3D microscopes in firearms that will be brought We've got things like 3D microscopes
• in firearms that we'll be bringing online, so this is kind of where firearm analysis is heading, is
• And if there's a situation where there's a serial rapist that continues to show up in different cases
• for being the first to bring online some technologies, one being that 3D microscope technology in firearms
• About 10, 15 years ago, there was a serial rapist case in North Little Rock.

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got things like 3D microscopes in firearms that will be brought online.
• We've got things like 3D microscopes in firearms that we'll be bringing online, so this is kind of where
• firearm analysis is heading, is actually taking 3D captures of cartridge cases that give better detail
• And if there's a situation where there's a serial rapist that continues to show up in different cases
• About 10, 15 years ago, there was a serial rapist case in North Little Rock.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got things like 3D microscopes in firearms that will be brought online.
• We've got things like 3D microscopes in firearms that we'll be bringing online, so this is kind of where
• firearm analysis is heading, is actually taking 3D captures of cartridge cases that give better detail
• And if there's a situation where there's a serial rapist that continues to show up in different cases
• About 10, 15 years ago, there was a serial rapist case in North Little Rock.

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program. Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency. The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.