Video & Transcript Research : 'mandatory minimum sentence'

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ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then there was also a requirement that they operate the facility for a minimum of 10 years.
  • I'll remove that part and then there was also a requirement that they operate the facility for a minimum
  • So no offense, Keith, if he walks out in the middle of your sentence. All right, very good.
  • Sentence. All right. Very good.
Bills: SB2015
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division met to finalize changes to the human services budget bill and related amendments. Members discussed several items, including a proposed $5 million appropriation for the Altru Hospital project to address inflationary costs, with the rest of the funding question left for conference committee. They also agreed to keep the 10-year operating requirement language for the project and remove a matching-funds provision that was no longer needed. The committee spent considerable time on the OASIS child welfare IT system. Donna Auckland explained that the project is still in the RFP stage, with vendor selection and contract negotiation likely taking months, and that the system will require 50-50 federal matching authority. Based on that testimony, the committee agreed to reduce the general fund amount from $14 million to $6 million and use a line of credit for the remaining authority, while preserving the federal match authority so the contract can be signed and the project can proceed. Members also approved a technical fix to add governor’s designee language for the Children’s Cabinet, which had been missed in another bill already on the governor’s desk. Keith reviewed updated long sheets showing additional budget adjustments, including provider inflation changes, a $50,000 Family Voices grant, reductions to CARES Act COVID funds, and moving the $5-per-day basic care rate increase from ongoing to one-time funding. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the committee adjourned with plans to reconvene Monday if the final bill version was ready.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Bills: SB2015
Summary: The committee first discussed a wastewater infrastructure bill, centered on whether state support should be provided as a grant or through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund as a low-interest loan program. Department of Environmental Quality official David Brushwine explained that the SRF already finances wastewater projects, can leverage federal funds with state bond proceeds, and could accommodate the Washburn, Lincoln, and Peasant projects if they are ready to proceed. Members noted that losing federal grant support would make projects harder for local residents to afford because costs would be recovered through utility rates or special assessments, but the projects would still be eligible for loans. Senator Magrum indicated he would likely concur with the budget after this discussion, and the bill was set aside for later consideration. The committee then turned to a proposed amendment for a four-plex housing project for people with disabilities or other special needs. Senator Mathern described Sections 7 and 8 as creating a design consultation appropriation and a revolving loan fund modeled on existing hospital and nursing home loan programs, while Section 9 would transfer $3.3 million from the state infrastructure fund. Members debated ownership, rent subsidies, repayment terms, and whether the state should finance the project directly or leave it to a private developer with Department of Human Services oversight. Concerns were raised that the state should not own the housing and that the proposal needed more work to be workable, but the committee ultimately reached consensus to adopt Sections 7 and 8 and leave out Section 9 for further conference committee discussion. The committee also reviewed provider inflation and long-term care rate issues, with members discussing whether to support a 2% and 1.5% inflation adjustment and how to handle the $5-per-day basic care rate. Staff explained that the $5 payment was already in the base budget, but members debated whether it should remain ongoing or be treated as one-time funding and paired with a study of rate rebasing. The committee agreed to have draft language prepared to remove the $5 from the base budget and add study language, then moved the bill forward for drafting.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Bills: SB2015
Summary: The committee met to review revised long sheets and section-by-section language for a human services/health budget bill, with much of the discussion focused on how to present block grant funding and full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for behavioral health clinics and CCBHCs. Members debated whether to keep FTE counts in the budget at all, ultimately leaning toward removing or zeroing out the FTE references while keeping the dollar authority, and reducing the salaries-and-wages block grant by about $4.75 million. They also discussed public health federal authority, agreeing to remove about $60 million in unused federal spending authority tied to COVID-era funds, and clarified that if federal money later becomes available it could be requested through the Emergency Commission. A major topic was the provider inflation increase. The House version had 2% and 2%, while members debated alternatives and appeared to settle, at least for further work, on 2% in the first year and 1.5% in the second year, with staff asked to recalculate the fiscal impact. The committee also reviewed FMAP changes, noting a revised 2027 FMAP estimate and its effect on general fund and other funds, and discussed whether to adjust public health and other line items accordingly. Several members emphasized that many of these numbers are still tentative and will be refined before final action. The committee also touched on several policy items and capital-related provisions, including behavioral health services, Medicaid expansion, the moratorium on new ICF beds, and a proposed amendment for a medical homes/fourplex-related item that would show a $400,000 legislative investment with repayment from a developer. There was extended discussion of the All True hospital/facility proposal, with some members favoring leaving it in with a smaller initial commitment and others preferring to remove it and revisit later in conference committee. The meeting ended with staff asked to continue updating the bill language and members instructed to review remaining sections before the next meeting; no final votes were taken in the portion provided.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 7th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would say at a minimum it would take probably about 10 months to 12 months to build one of these.”
  • “I would think it depends upon the amenities that are provided in there, but I would think at a minimum
  • “Upon the amenities that are provided in there, but I would think at a minimum, they would have to be
Bills: SB2015
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources division met with a quorum and spent much of the meeting on a proposed “medical home” concept for people with significant disabilities and medical needs. Matt Schwartz described the need for small, community-based homes so adults like his daughter could live in a least-restrictive setting without losing housing if service providers change. Architect Jeff Eubel presented a conceptual budget for one roughly 5,000-square-foot facility for four residents, explaining that the design would likely include four large sleeping units, common space, support areas, and medical infrastructure such as emergency power, oxygen, sprinklers, and accessibility features. Committee members and George Sink, joining by phone, raised questions about layout, zoning, ownership, staffing, and whether families would actually move loved ones into such facilities if they were far from home. The department said the concept was not in the governor’s budget and identified staff who could continue discussions; the committee did not take final action and instead discussed refining the language with interested members. The committee then turned to amendments related to long-term care and behavioral health funding. One amendment would reduce a planned $4 million general fund incentive payment and instead create a withhold-based quality program for nursing facilities, to be developed collaboratively by the department and providers and reported to Legislative Management by September 2026. The department said it could live with the language but preferred the governor’s timing; several senators questioned whether the committee should be directing an operational policy change and whether the study would simply delay implementation. No vote was taken, and the amendment was set aside for later consideration. A second amendment would clarify use of an existing $2 million general fund item for behavioral health services in nursing homes and basic care facilities, directing it toward training, technical assistance, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral health disorders. Members noted the funding was already in the bill and discussed it in the context of other budget items, but again deferred action. The committee also clarified that a separate $750,000 juvenile justice diversion appropriation in House Bill 1425 was distinct from a similar amount in the budget and should likely remain in that separate bill. The chair indicated a goal of having amendments ready by the end of the week, and the committee recessed without final votes on the discussed items.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 4/22/25

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree criminal sexual trafficking, adding fentanyl to allowing
  • <00:09:35.920> Uh<00:09:36.240> mandatory<00:09:36.880> minimum who protect
  • Uh mandatory minimum who protect us.
  • Uh mandatory minimum sentence<00:09:37.600> for<00:09:37.839> first-degree<00:09:38.399
  • > criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sexual<00:09:
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/19/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • For instance, fuel cost increases, insurance increases, the minimum wage increase, and these other things
Summary: The Senate Committee on Government considered only SCR 1032, along with a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would require school districts, subject to voter approval, to dedicate at least 60% of operational spending to teacher pay, with a phased-in increase starting in FY 2028 for districts below that threshold. It also would penalize noncompliant districts by requiring unexpended Classroom Site Fund monies to revert, making districts ineligible for those funds until back in compliance, and directing JLBC to exclude those districts from per-pupil calculations. The Superintendent of Public Instruction could grant limited waivers of the forfeiture provisions for up to one year, not more than two consecutive years for the same district. Supporters, including representatives of Heritage Action, the Goldwater Institute, and the Center for Arizona Policy, argued that Arizona has increased school funding substantially while teacher pay has remained flat in real terms, and said the measure would improve accountability and ensure more money reaches teachers rather than district administration. They cited Auditor General findings and prior voter-approved efforts such as the Classroom Site Fund and teacher pay initiatives as evidence that districts have not prioritized classroom spending as intended. A rural school coalition testified in opposition, saying the proposal would be difficult for small districts to meet because it could force cuts to other essential costs such as fuel, insurance, facilities, and other operating needs, and that the Auditor General’s classroom-spending categories may not accurately reflect actual teacher pay. One committee member also raised concerns that the measure could harm special education and other legally required student services. During discussion, the sponsor said charter schools were excluded because they are private businesses under the state’s framework, despite receiving public funds. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SCR 1032, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/14/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have very harsh mandatory minimums here in Arizona, and I believe everyone in this room knows that
  • And once that happens, the mandatory minimum kicks in.
  • But can you give me information as to, like, this mandatory minimums and weight-based thresholds, can
  • I mean Can you give me information as to, like, this mandatory minimums and weight-based thresholds,
  • He was looking at a mandatory minimum of six years, aggravated to 15.
Summary: The Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, membership, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition and no further questions, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years. The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make weapons and explosives trafficking involving three or more items a prison-mandatory offense and remove the financial-gain requirement from the trafficking definition. Support came from the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, and county law enforcement, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and would not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns about limiting judicial discretion and the effect on plea negotiations, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote with one present. Next, HB 2132 proposed lowering the fentanyl trafficking threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams. Law enforcement and county attorneys argued the change would better address mid-level dealers and the volume of fentanyl seen in their counties, while opponents and some members warned it could sweep in addicted users and rely too heavily on mandatory minimums instead of treatment. Testimony also highlighted county reentry and treatment programs, especially Yavapai County’s “Reach Out” model. The committee approved the bill 7-2. The committee also considered HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct is especially dangerous, including when it causes serious injury, involves a child, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the bill as a public-safety measure, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions and discourage compliance with police. Members also raised concerns about unmarked vehicles and public fear. The bill received a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. Supporters said it closes a gap in statute exposed by recent cases, while opponents warned the language could be overbroad and potentially reach unintended situations; the committee adopted an amendment and then approved the bill 6-3.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The board was created in 2023, and in 2024 issued two rules with minimum labor standards for the nursing
  • The other sets a minimum wage for the industry and is contingent on funding from the legislature.
  • <00:02:55.800> labor issued two rules with minimum labor issued two rules with minimum labor
  • wage for the industry and sets a minimum wage for the industry and is<00:03:07.879> contingent
  • I think the prospect of the statewide minimum wage helped me go from $17 an hour to $22.50 an hour, but
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Judiciary Committee Feb 26th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • was our last session of the code, to create the definition of machine gun and to provide for the mandatory
  • enhancement sentencing for a... mandatory enhancement sentencing for a person who causes the death of
  • , and went through a trial with unfavorable peers... ...and he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced
  • It seems like they should at a minimum have to have sex offender treatment program... you know, maybe
  • But again, it would be a case-by-case basis, and I do like the idea of perhaps a mandatory review or
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 18th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill revises training requirements for bail bond agents by reducing mandatory in-person classroom
  • Tab 7 is CS for SB 928 on mandatory remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes by Senator
  • against the other co-defendant. will take a plea and set off sentencing to testify truthfully against
  • You're taking the pleas because you don't have time as a judge to go through sentencing and to consider
  • for a week or two or a month. ...them from being able to take a plea and then set off sentencing for
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to consider several criminal justice and court-related bills, along with the committee’s proposed $7.9 billion budget. The committee first heard and approved CS/SB 600 on bail bonds, as amended to adjust solicitation, cash bond return, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures; CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses and was amended to correct a drafting issue; CS/SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction for dangerous crimes; SB 1332 on career offender registration, adding in-person reporting, more detailed registration requirements, and stronger penalties for noncompliance; and CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, a domestic violence measure adopted via a substitute amendment that adds stricter penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures. All of those bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for statewide review, and opponents raising concerns about free speech, the definition of anti-Semitism, and possible conflation of criticism of Israel with hate speech. Senators also discussed the bill’s scope and the IHRA definition before it was reported favorably. In addition, CS/SB 532 on clerks of court was amended to clarify foreclosure sale procedures and funding predictability for clerks, then reported favorably. CS/SB 644 on attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs was also approved after amendments that aligned family-law fee provisions and codified standards for fee awards in dissolution and paternity cases; the sponsor said the bill was intended to curb vexatious litigation and improve consistency across districts. After the bill actions, the chair summarized the criminal and civil justice budget, describing it as a disciplined proposal that addresses corrections deficits and future inmate growth while funding core public safety needs. The committee then heard substantial public testimony on prison conditions, staffing, pay, heat, infrastructure, and the possibility of reducing prison populations or adding air conditioning in facilities. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill SB 1634 would be temporarily postponed to the following week, and the record was supplemented with the names of many people who had registered to speak for or against those bills. The meeting concluded after members were invited to record votes and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025

Corrections

Transcript Highlights:
  • term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision,
  • It took three and a half years before any sentence would be delivered, and in the end, the man who had
  • He received a sentence of 120 days in county jail and five years of probation, which, by the way,...
  • Our family has been handed a life sentence due to no wrongdoing of our son or our own.
  • I think I may have missed it, but how long did the person who did this get sentenced to?
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/04/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • any basis until the sentence is served.
  • This is about the sentencing aspect of it.
  • The offense carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years, with the range able to increase depending
  • And what we do know is that mandatory prison sentences do not solve the very serious public health issue
  • And the sentence for sexual extortion in this manner must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed
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.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • Alabamians deserve emergency care that meets a minimum standard, no matter what their zip code.
  • c><00:29:30.000> a deserve emergency care that meets a deserve emergency care that meets a minimum
  • 31.520> no<00:29:31.600> matter<00:29:31.919> what<00:29:32.080> their minimum
  • standard no matter what their minimum standard no matter what their zip<00:29:32.559> code.
Bills: SB63, SB80, SB63, SB80
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/11/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I think at the very bare minimum we should make sure that people know that they have these services
  • So I think at the very bare minimum we should make sure that people know that they have these services
  • So I think at the very bare minimum we should make sure that people know that they have these services
Bills: HF1917, HF1083, HF367