Transcript Highlights:

• That justification could be given to every criminal offense.
• So this is extending it much beyond that, and if there is a justification or a commenurate penalty. a
• for wanting to expand the justification for wanting to expand or<00:10:22.000> lengthen<00:10
• That justification could be limitations.
• That justification could be given<00:10:39.519> to<00:10:39.760> every<00:10:40.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean that that's the justification here for a lot that's found within here.
• 00:10:15.440> that<00:10:15.760> that's<00:10:16.079> the<00:10:16.240> justification
• I mean that that's the justification I mean that that's the justification here<00:10:17.120>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The second table within each slide is the justification. And then at the bottom, which you'll...
• I'll talk about just for a minute just the justification of our request and what we were looking for.
• Just looking down at the justification for the special appropriation request.
• Okay, so the DO IT rates increased by 8%, and what was their justification? Mr.
• Chair, members of the committee, we don't have a justification. Scott, who does DO IT? Everyone?

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• So you would use the results of this committee as your justification for the late bill. certainly some
• >> you know, the results of this committee as<00:39:35.680> your<00:39:35.920> justification
• The findings of these committees should be used as justification for the late request. Yeah. Okay.
• these committees should be<00:41:55.040> used<00:41:55.280> as<00:41:55.680> justification
• <00:41:56.560> for<00:41:57.040> lay be used as justification for lay be used as justification

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 24 and September 27 meetings unanimously. It then reviewed a spreadsheet and draft report tracking the status of various dedicated funds, with members deciding which items should be kept active, removed, or flagged for follow-up next year. Several funds were identified as no longer needing action because they had been repealed, terminated, or were already handled elsewhere, including mosquito-related funding, child care licensing, and the prescription drug affordability board item. In other cases, members agreed to keep the fund on the list but remove question marks and add notes for future review or for another committee to address. A number of funds drew more detailed discussion. Members agreed that the Fish and Game fee increase issue should not be handled by this committee directly, but that staff should notify the relevant sponsor/department that a legislative change would be needed. They also discussed a medical cannabis fund that was running down significantly; the committee agreed to keep it active, note the concern, and send a letter to the department and Representative McDonald suggesting that HHS review whether fees or another revenue source should be changed, with the possibility of a late bill if needed. The lead poisoning prevention fund was also kept, with a note that the department should take action if it wants changes, and the committee discussed a grants-and-aid escrow-related item, concluding it should remain active and be kept on the list. Members also discussed several legacy or special-purpose funds. They agreed to recommend deleting the broodstock reference, to keep the emergency fund while asking for a better explanation of its funding source, and to retain the building maintenance fund as active. The Recovery Monument fund was identified as inactive and likely eligible for transfer of its remaining $1,000 to the addiction treatment and prevention fund. The Matthew Elliott Trust Fund prompted the most extended discussion; members concluded it should not continue as-is and agreed to draft a letter to the Attorney General recommending that the fund be closed through probate court and the remaining $5,657 transferred to Fund 122, or otherwise handled as unclaimed property if appropriate. The committee also discussed a firemen’s association-related transfer and agreed it should remain, while noting that any broader change would require legislation and a sponsor in the relevant policy committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• rare to find anything in writing anymore; we have electronic health records where we maintain justification
• rare to find anything in writing anymore; we have electronic health records where we maintain justification
• rare to find anything in writing anymore; we have electronic health records where we maintain justification
• rare to find anything in writing anymore; we have electronic health records where we maintain justification

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, in the justification for a motion is to protect girls and promote equity.
• Thank you, Speaker. >> Again, I'll reiterate: my comments are in response to the justification that's
• But it is hard to understand the justification for this motion when we're living in an America where,
• >> Again, I'll reiterate my comments are in response to the justification that's being used from
• But it is hard to understand that the justification for this motion when we're living in an America,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• "A defendant shall be entitled to assert justification and immunity under this section before a trial
• 566 on page 23 with the following: "that the force used was unlawful under deception, with no justification
• No justification or immunity set forth in this section shall affect the legal standard applicable to
• his or her burden of proving immunity at the pre-trial hearing, he or she may continue to pursue justification
• Once the issue of justification and immunity under the section has been raised by the defendant, the

Bills: HB43, SB81, SB178, SB138, SB89, SB183, HB27, HB188, HB199, HB190, SB117, HB43, HB27

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw shifting justifications for why this map needed to move forward.
• The other justification was, oh, well, there's a SCOTUS case that's going to be coming, and we have to
• But as justifications, every single one of them have crumbled under the slightest scrutiny.
• But as justifications, every single one of them have crumbled under the slightest scrutiny.
• It prohibits predominance of race without justification.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered. A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that’s because there are compelling justifications behind these laws.
• First, And that’s because there are compelling justifications behind these laws.

Summary: The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format and took up HB 415/HS1, which would require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The chair described the bill as addressing a gap in Delaware law and noted that veterinarians are often the first professionals able to identify signs of cruelty. Supporters emphasized the connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and said the measure would help detect and address abuse earlier. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. A representative from the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association thanked the sponsor and said the bill had been amended with input from the association. A representative of the state council said the council did not take a formal position but was significantly interested because of the bill’s link to agriculture and animal welfare. Online witnesses from Animals for Animals Action Fund and Faithful Friends Animal Society also supported the bill, citing the need for mandatory reporting, existing immunity protections for good-faith reports, and studies showing veterinarians frequently encounter abuse. No committee vote was taken during the meeting. After public comment concluded, the chair adjourned the meeting, noting that HB 415 was the only item on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that also, just to the point around the justification that we don't have the capacity—I'm
• And I think that also, just to the point around the justification that we don't have the capacity—I'm
• Last follow-up: so just the justification that I've been hearing from the Met Council, at least, you
• that I've been just the justification that I've been hearing<01:13:02.280> from<01:13:02.400>
• if that's the issue that justification if that's the issue here<01:13:13.360> in<01:13:13.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• hour, and received dozens and dozens of emails and pieces of testimony that we have ample, ample justification
• 28.480> ample of testimony that we have ample, ample of testimony that we have ample, ample justification
• he will have significant injuries beyond what this bill could address and help should not be a justification
• should<00:24:20.000> not<00:24:20.240> be<00:24:20.520> a<00:24:20.600> justification
• and help should not be a justification and help should not be a justification for<00:24:22.080><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So do you have that justification for the $350 million number? Why is it there?
• So do you have that justification for the $350 million number? Why is it there?
• So do you have that justification for the $350 million number? Why is it there?
• So do you have that justification for the $350 million number? Why is it there?
• So do you have that justification for the $350 million number? Why is it there?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that our local law enforcement have been a part of ensuring that the law is being enforced with justification
• :40.399> being<00:14:40.639> enforced<00:14:41.199> with<00:14:41.519> justification
• <00:14:42.720> and is being enforced with justification and is being enforced with justification

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• insufficiently qualified, and fail to adequately convey the narrow and exceptional nature of any lawful justification
• You would think that the Attorney General, the chief legal officer, would know that the justification
• for using force for anybody is in the justification section of the penal code.
• She also omitted key parts of the justification to use force defense.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and heard several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which criticized Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract the statements, support law enforcement, issue corrective guidance, and resign. The Senate first voted to suspend rules and place the resolution into Committee of the Whole, then debated a motion to read the resolution by number and title only, and later considered a floor amendment adding findings about law enforcement organizations’ criticism and alleged use of state resources to target ICE officers. Supporters argued the Attorney General’s remarks were dangerous, misleading, and politically motivated; opponents said the resolution distorted her comments, was a partisan stunt, and skipped normal committee review. After extensive debate, the Committee of the Whole recommended the resolution do pass, and the Senate adopted SR 1036 on third reading by a vote of 17 ayes to 13 nays. Following passage of SR 1036, members continued to offer personal privilege remarks, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education. The Senate then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and they are proceeding with the lease base change transaction in Perry County based on the justifications
• based<00:02:59.560> on<00:02:59.680> the<00:02:59.840> the<00:02:59.959> justifications
• based on the the justifications based on the the justifications submitted<00:03:01.159> by

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then projects moving forward will be able to apply for up to $21 million if they have the justification
• um and then projects moving forward will be able to apply for up to 21 million if they have the justification

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met to receive public testimony and act on port priority applications for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 Port Priority Construction and Development Priority Program. After approving the March 9, 2026 minutes, the committee heard from Commissioner Andrew Kilshaw of the Office of Multimodal Commerce on two applications from the Avoyelles Harbor and Terminal District: a building addition and waterfront industrial improvements project, and a Workforce Training Center redevelopment project. He said both met program criteria and projected substantial state benefits, jobs, and high benefit-cost ratios. Committee members asked about the projected jobs, the unusually high benefit-cost ratio, and the status of other port projects. Kilshaw and DOTD’s Molly Bergoin said the program has a backlog of more than $200 million, but the department is working through it, with some projects nearing closeout. They also said the annual request cap has been increased and that a tiered funding approach is being considered to help projects compete for federal dollars. Members expressed support for expanding investment in ports and for a statewide strategic plan. Chairman Boriak moved to accept the port priority applications received through March 1, 2026, for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 program. There was no objection, and the committee accepted the projects. The meeting then adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some sort of justification to us in here in the legislature through the speaker, the pro tem, and the
• And so that justification would be seen by both the speaker of the pro tem and the governor.
• Then they would just explain that in justification.

Bills: SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Transcript Highlights:

• Scientific justification, knee-jerk reactions to unsubstantiated fears must not interfere with responsible
• Scientific justification, knee-jerk reactions to unsubstantiated fears must not interfere with responsible
• Scientific justification, knee-jerk reactions to unsubstantiated fears must not interfere with responsible
• Scientific justification, knee-jerk reactions to unsubstantiated fears must not interfere with responsible
• Scientific justification, knee-jerk reactions to unsubstantiated fears must not interfere with responsible

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory

Transcript Highlights:

• and then projects moving forward will be able to apply for up to $21 million if they have the justification
• um and then projects moving forward will be able to apply for up to 21 million if they have the justification

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met to receive public testimony and act on port priority applications for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 Port Priority Construction and Development Priority Programs. After a roll call showing 18 members present, the committee adopted the March 9, 2026 minutes without objection. Commissioner Andrew Killshaw of the Office of Multimodal Commerce explained the Port Priority Program criteria and presented two applications from the Avoyelles Harbor and Terminal District: a $3.4 million building addition and infrastructure project requesting $2.853 million in state funds, and a $1.5 million Workforce Training Center redevelopment requesting $1.287 million. He said the projects were projected to create 265 jobs and generate substantial state benefits, with very high benefit-cost ratios. Members expressed support for the projects and for strengthening the port program overall. Chairman Boriak moved to approve the applications, and Senator Carter and others discussed the need to increase investment in ports and develop a statewide strategic plan to better compete for federal dollars. DOTD Multimodal Commerce staff, including Molly Bergoin, testified that the program has more than $200 million in backlog, that annual Transportation Trust Fund financing has made it difficult to reduce, and that the department hopes to clear 10 to 12 low-balance projects this year. They also said the request cap had been increased to $7 million per project this year and up to $21 million going forward, and that most projects are proceeding under reimbursement agreements because construction costs have risen sharply. After discussion, the committee voted without objection to accept the port priority applications received through March 1, 2026, for the FY 2027-2028 program. The committee then adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The justification just says the increased costs for that.
• Yes, and they provided a sort of justification for what they were looking to purchase.
• Yes, and they provided a sort of justification for what they were looking to purchase. Good.

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.