Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, I rise in support of this resolution because it sends the clear message that peaceful, nonviolent
• Threats against election workers, attacks on public officials, attempts to disrupt the peaceful process
• through fear, acts on public officials, attempts to disrupt the peaceful process through fear and coercion
• They mock the sacrifices of generations who have defended our constitutional republic nonviolently.

Bills: HB2299 , HB2939 , HB2941 , HB2960 , HB3062 , HB3087 , HB3114 , HB3244 , HB3262 , HB3304 , HB3345 , HB3386 , HB3431 , HB3498 , HB3581 , HB3645 , HB3648 , HB3764 , HB3852 , HB3974 , HB4141 , HB4144 , HB4227 , HB4237 , HB4343 , HB4425

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Article V, convention, amendments, criminal penalties, legislative authority, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, firearm liability, tort reform, manufacturers

Transcript Highlights:

• Chávez and Dolores Huerta, during their struggles for farmworkers' rights to utilize his model of nonviolence
• It was active, it was disruptive, it was fearless, and it was a demand for transformation.
• His commitment to nonviolence and faith and the principles of the Constitution continue to resonate with
• Nonviolence and faith and the principles of the Constitution continue to resonate within the Hispanic
• He was in jail because he was protesting in a nonviolent manner. Doesn't that sound familiar today?

Transcript Highlights:

• Chávez and Dolores Huerta, during their struggles for farmworkers' rights to utilize his model of nonviolence
• It was active, it was disruptive, it was fearless, and it was a demand for transformation.
• His commitment to nonviolence, faith, and the principles of the Constitution continue to resonate with
• ...nonviolence and faith and the principles of the Constitution continue to resonate within the Hispanic
• He was in jail because he was protesting in a nonviolent manner. Doesn't that sound familiar today?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine announcements and motions. Senator González obtained unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 107, honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with extensive floor remarks from many senators reflecting on King’s legacy, civil rights, nonviolence, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to democracy. Speakers from multiple caucuses and affiliations supported the resolution, including Senators Richardson, Archuleta, Choi, Smallwood-Cuevas, Blakespear, Pérez, Weber, McNerney, Wiener, Reyes, Cabaldon, Rubio, and Alvarado-Gil. Their comments emphasized King’s leadership, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, the Poor People’s Campaign, and the need to continue his work through policy and civic action. Senator Richardson closed on the measure, and the Senate adopted SCR 107 by roll call vote. After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory. Senator Pérez honored Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, who died in a vehicle pursuit accident while on duty. Senator McGuire remembered Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, with additional remarks from Senators Becker and Laird about his cultural impact and philanthropy. Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil then honored the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, including children Journey Rose Guerrero, Maya Lupian, and Amari Peterson, and a 21-year-old, Susanna Archeletta, describing their lives and the community’s loss. The session ended with the Pro Tem noting the day’s reflection and announcing the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've seen lists before of violent crimes and nonviolent crimes.
• Do you have in existence right now a list of what is considered a nonviolent crime under this bill?
• We do not classify what is a nonviolent crime, but we have tried to make a list of what we perceive to
• offense, my first nonviolent felony offense as an adult.
• offense, my first nonviolent felony offense as an adult.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and announced it would not hold executive session that day because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups; those executive sessions were pushed to the following Monday. The committee first heard House Bill 2558, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative (MHSA). Staff explained that the bill narrows eligibility to people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, adds restrictions for certain domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, requires more detailed DOC reports, lengthens some community custody terms, mandates regular progress hearings, and shifts assessment work to contracted providers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus the program on people whose offenses are tied to serious mental illness and to reduce misuse in domestic violence and other violent cases. No public testimony was taken on HB 2558 that day, and the hearing was held open for later testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with a pretrial deferral option and a suspended sentence option for eligible first-time felony defendants. Supporters, including public defense, immigration advocates, judges, economists, and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, argued the bill would create a meaningful rehabilitation pathway, reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and avoid the long-term harm of an immediate felony conviction. They also said the deferred-adjudication structure could help immigrants avoid immigration consequences and would better incentivize restitution and compliance. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocates, raised concerns about expanding eligibility to offenses such as assault 2 and robbery 2, the meaning of “violent offense,” the possibility of judicial diversion without prosecutor consent, and the impact on victims and public safety. After testimony, the sponsor said she would remove the bill’s strong presumption in favor of relief, and the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2217. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from hiring people who were sworn ICE officers after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively beginning October 1, 2026. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect communities and prevent hiring officers associated with federal immigration enforcement practices she described as harmful. The committee then heard House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE employees conducting immigration enforcement to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, and document it, while providing state indemnification for officers acting in good faith. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect communities and officers; the Washington State Patrol said many of the practices already align with its policies. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed concerns about added reporting requirements, possible effects on federal-local cooperation, and asked for changes to soften mandatory language and strengthen indemnification. The committee ended the hearing without further testimony and adjourned, noting executive sessions on about a dozen bills would occur the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a part of what they would say, To nonviolence, and a part of what they would say, and the reason
• why they wanted to, they said that nonviolence is the best way and in their opinion the only real way
• But I also want to point out that we recognize the power of nonviolence.
• We're actually developing a training on nonviolent direct action for our partners, community partners
• nonviolent to others.

Bills: HB4248 , HB3194 , HB3849 , HB4095 , HB4302 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB3287 , HB3645 , HB3647 , HB3930 , HB3931 , HB1818 , HB4454 , HB4336

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, pregnancy centers, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• Chávez and Dolores Huerta, during their struggles for farmworkers' rights to utilize his model of nonviolence
• It was active, it was disruptive, it was fearless, and it was a demand for transformation.
• His commitment to nonviolence, faith, and the principles of the Constitution continue to resonate with
• s fight for Americans profoundly influenced the Hispanic community by inspiring unity, nonviolent resistance
• He was in jail because he was protesting in a nonviolent manner. Doesn't that sound familiar today?

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The main item on the floor was Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of nonviolence, civil rights, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and the need to continue his work amid current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to civil liberties. Senator Richardson closed on the resolution, and the roll was called; SCR 107 was adopted. After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment memorials. Senator Pérez requested adjournment in memory of Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, describing his service, family, and death in a duty-related car pursuit accident. Senator McGuire then honored Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy, Bay Area roots, and charitable work. Senator Becker and Senator Laird added remarks about Weir’s cultural impact and the Grateful Dead’s place in California history. The Senate also adjourned in memory of the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, with Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil speaking about the lives of the four young victims, including children and a teenager, and condemning gun violence. The Pro Tem closed by reflecting on the day’s themes of justice, loss, and civic responsibility, and announced the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But Mexico's victory at Puebla disrupted those plans.
• His collaboration with civil rights leader Reverend James Lawson Jr. on nonviolence helped shape generations
• staunch leader on justice, no matter who you were, where you were from, because standing up for nonviolence
• staunch leader on justice, no matter who you were, where you were from, because standing up for nonviolence
• staunch leader on justice, no matter who you were, where you were from, because standing up for nonviolence

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've seen lists before of violent crimes and nonviolent crimes.
• Do you have in existence right now a list of what is considered a nonviolent crime under this bill?
• We do not classify what is a nonviolent crime, but we have tried to make a list of what we perceive to
• offense, my first nonviolent felony offense as an adult.
• Apologies for the disruptions here.

Bills: HB2217 , HB2558 , HB2641 , HB2648 , HB1239 , HB1591 , HB2209 , HB2310 , HB2526

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: rehabilitation, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, first-time offenders, pathways to rehabilitation, mental health, sentencing alternative, criminal justice, diversion programs, HB 2641, ICE out act, law enforcement hiring, immigration and customs enforcement, ICE officers, former federal employees, sworn officer, police staffing, general authority law enforcement agency, limited authority law enforcement agency, immigration enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• today, state law prohibits persons in the chamber from interfering with legislative proceedings or disrupting
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• On August 15, 1947, after years of nonviolent resistance to over 200 years of British colonial rule,
• India's independence movement and Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to nonviolent resistance influenced leaders
• Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to nonviolent resistance influenced leaders around the world, including Dr

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely ceremonial and floor-action-heavy session. Early business included unanimous consent motions, removal of several Senate bills from the consent calendar, and recognition of the 2025-26 Assembly Fellows and California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellows. The chamber also welcomed several student and community guests, including National Science Bowl champions from Mission San Jose High School and a group of fifth graders touring the Capitol. One concurrence item, AB 2106, was adopted 65-0 after the author explained Senate amendments expanding enhanced vote-vetting requirements to geologists and geophysicists. The floor then took up several resolutions and one appropriations bill. ACR 199 recognizing India’s Independence Day was adopted by voice vote after remarks highlighting Indian American contributions and the role of the Sikh community in India’s independence movement. HR 119 recognizing International Referees Day was adopted, with 59 coauthors added, and the chamber honored referee Marcia Barclay. HR 125 declaring August as Chicano Heritage Month was adopted with 61 coauthors, with members speaking about Chicano history, civil rights, military service, and economic contributions. ACR 221 on sudden cardiac arrest awareness among student athletes was adopted by voice vote, and AB 2597, an urgency appropriation bill paying specified claims against the state, passed 60-0 on both the urgency clause and the measure. The Assembly also adopted ACR 231 designating Coastal Stewardship Day, with members discussing coastal protection, wetlands, climate change, and marine ecology, and ACR 234 declaring California Wine Month, which passed after remarks on the wine industry’s economic importance and challenges. HR 126 proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month drew extensive, emotional testimony from the author and several members about suicide loss, youth mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, Native communities, and prevention resources; it was adopted with 63 coauthors. HR 127 recognizing Transgender History Month was also adopted after debate focused on transgender history in California, current attacks on transgender people, and the importance of dignity and safety; 47 coauthors were added. Finally, HR 129 recognizing Sarcoma Awareness Month passed with 60 coauthors after members discussed pediatric sarcoma, rare cancer awareness, and a cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases in South Orange County. The consent calendar, including ACR 233 on Sepsis Awareness Month, was adopted 63-0, and the chamber then moved toward adjournments in memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disruption of Bernal voting aye. Have all voted. Have all members voted.

Bills: SB2 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117 , SB503 , SB2 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB 124 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Those convicted of certain nonviolent class four, five, six felonies can have those felonies permanently
• For this particular law, you have to intentionally do it and intend to disrupt the service.
• a violation of this law because you have to prove an intent to disrupt the religious service.
• Madam Chair, and are you allowed to disrupt?
• They're not guilty under this section because their intent is not to disrupt. Conduct.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard a full slate of bills, beginning with HB 2749, which would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as misdemeanors after completion of sentence and a waiting period. The committee adopted a chair’s amendment narrowing eligibility and excluding some offenses, then passed the bill 6-0 with one not voting. Supporters described it as a redemption and reintegration measure for people who have completed their obligations. The committee then considered HB 2870, a constituent-driven bill restricting level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling unless they are related or in certain supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a Chandler/Ocotillo situation involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push offenders into homelessness and make supervision harder. After debate and testimony from both sides, the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which enhances penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, also passed 3-2 with two not voting after the Scottsdale city attorney testified in support and the ACLU argued it would chill protected protest and anonymity. HB 2364, which creates criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs and for ordering them by mail, drew strong support from anti-abortion witnesses and strong opposition from lawmakers who said it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would require landlords to respond to motions to satisfy eviction judgments and allow sealing of eviction records when tenants have paid; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes a 45-day waiting period before some DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, passed 7-0. The committee also advanced HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating penalties for interfering with religious services by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt worship. The ADL and Jewish community advocates supported it as a protection for worshippers, while the ACLU argued it could criminalize protected protest and speech; it passed 4-3. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution on photo enforcement systems that would require voter approval for continued operation and periodic reauthorization, passed 4-3 after testimony from the League of Cities and Towns and a discussion of traffic safety versus civil-liberties concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• Currently, California's law draws an arbitrary line between violent and nonviolent crimes, excluding
• Currently, California's law draws an arbitrary line between violent and nonviolent crimes, excluding
• By limiting the relief to nonviolent crimes, the and often through unimaginable violence.
• For the nonviolent crimes, that might not be necessary.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• A disruptive student who is disrupting instruction may receive a short burst of support, a break for
• A disruptive student who is disrupting instruction may receive a short burst of support, a break for
• A disruptive student who is disrupting instruction may receive a short burst of support, a break for
• A disruptive student who is disrupting instruction may receive a short burst of support, a break for
• A disruptive student who is disrupting instruction may receive a short burst of support, a break for

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also want to point out that we recognize the power of nonviolence.
• We're actually developing a training on nonviolent direct action for our partners, community partners
• of satyagraha and nonviolent resistance, I think it's really necessary to have self-reforms.
• I think it's really necessary to have self-reflection in a way that also is nonviolent to others.
• How do we engage in that process through the micro, the mezzo, and the macro with nonviolence, but with

Summary: The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses. Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting. Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting. No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those convicted of certain nonviolent...
• You have to intentionally do it and intend to disrupt the service.
• It says you have to intend to disrupt the religious...
• It says you have to intend to disrupt the religious...
• Madam Chair, and are you allowed to disrupt?

Bills: HB2244 , HB2364 , HB2573 , HB2749 , HB2862 , HB2870 , HB4117 , HCR2004

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights, landlord obligations, court procedures, abortion-inducing drugs, medical abortion, pharmaceutical regulation, felonies, state law, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges, alcohol education, felony conviction, misdemeanor designation, court judgment, criminal justice reform, rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't seem like much, but it can't actually slow down and disrupt the proceedings.
• I won't permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of proceedings
• If individuals who commit acts of intimidation or public disruption are shielded from consequences at
• In order to prevent history from repeating itself, we must avoid incarcerating people for nonviolent
• In order to prevent history from repeating itself, we must avoid incarcerating people for nonviolent

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• If you commit a nonviolent drug offense, you never get them back for the rest of your life.
• They're not even going on their second offense if it's nonviolent.
• They're not even going on their second offense if it's nonviolent.
• As a matter of fact, some of those people are disruptive because they can't earn any type of credit.
• As a matter of fact, some of those people are disruptive because they can't earn any type of credit.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2818, which would allow St. Joseph to annex the Rosecrans Airport property and the surrounding acreage into city limits despite the land not being contiguous to the city because of a gap that includes a river and private farms. Representative Brenda Shields and St. Joseph city officials said annexation is needed so the city can apply economic development tools to the airport area, especially as the 139th Airlift Wing relocates and vacates buildings that would revert to the city. Members asked about the need for a statute change and the noncontiguous annexation issue; no opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2818 was closed without a vote. The committee then took up House Bills 2695, 2751, and 2831 together, all focused on prison sentence credits, rehabilitation incentives, and related policy changes. Sponsors and supporters described the bills as creating or expanding good-time and earned-time credits for orderly behavior and participation in education, vocational training, treatment, and other rehabilitation programs, while excluding inmates serving death or life-without-parole sentences and certain persistent offenders. HB 2751 also includes a provision removing the lifetime ban on SNAP eligibility for people convicted of drug felonies, which supporters said would aid reentry and family stability. Sponsors said they were open to amendments and acknowledged concerns about how credits would be administered and whether the parole board should retain discretion. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about whether the bills could allow serious offenders, including some sex offenders and violent offenders, to earn credits, and about the use of “shall” language that might create litigation or disputes over whether credits were earned. The sponsors said the bills rely on Department of Corrections policy for program qualification and discipline rules, and that parole board discretion remained part of the compromise language. Testimony in support came from formerly incarcerated people, faith leaders, advocacy groups, and a prosecutor who supported the concept of earned credits but urged tighter exclusions for serious crimes. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the sponsors indicated they would continue working on amendments with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• or mediation or nonviolent approaches, going into what Burfield said, placing that on the campuses to
• Some have raised concerns that allowing board members to question staff directly would disrupt the chain
• It will identify the nonviolent inmates that are proficient in English and have Less than two years left
• Madam Chair, it's just a clarifying amendment to ensure that it's understood that these are nonviolent

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee