Video & Transcript Research : 'transitional justice'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC DEFER, JDC Public Hearings 02-20-2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • as work with others to make<00:09:37.279> access<00:09:37.680> to<00:09:38.000> justice
  • <00:09:38.800> on<00:09:39.040> all<00:09:39.200> fronts make access to justice
  • on all fronts make access to justice on all fronts easier<00:09:40.080> and<00:09:40.320>
  • <00:09:58.480> My seeking justice, relief and help. My seeking justice, relief and help.
  • Because, as I had told you before, and I had told Chief Justice Rectenwald, I had always been doubtful
Bills: SB2418, SB2568, SB2661
Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Justice, Public Safety, and Justice, Public Safety, and, um, today on the agenda, we've got representatives
  • from Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the Department of Juvenile Justice.
  • Um, so first on the agenda today is Justice and Public Safety.
  • <00:08:26.000> in uh suited to work in juvenile justice in uh suited to work in juvenile justice
  • Staff are the juvenile justice system.
Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative regarding domestic violence.
  • I am a deputy division director at the Council of State Governments' Justice Center.
  • Um, back in 2023, Kentucky leaders approached the Council of State Governments' Justice Center, where
  • Um, and really what justice violence.
  • <00:24:37.440> Reinvestment the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment
Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Legislative Oversight & Sunset

Transcript Highlights:
  • The revamping also included providing the council with administrative support through the Criminal Justice
Bills: SB295, HB378
Summary: The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from its April 22 and May 13 meetings, and then heard two bills. HB 420 would modernize massage therapy licensure by allowing the Board of Massage and Bodywork to decide which coursework may be completed in a hybrid format and which must remain in person, while also removing outdated references to a license type the board no longer issues. The sponsor said the change would improve access for students who cannot easily travel or stop working, while preserving public protection through board rules. Public testimony on HB 420 was entirely supportive. Robert Overmiller spoke in favor, and Mackenzie Francis of Alpha School of Massage also supported the bill, citing workforce growth in massage therapy and arguing that hybrid education would expand access, especially for students entering the field later in life. No committee questions or objections were raised. The committee then discussed HB 378, which would continue the Council of Corrections’ partnership with the Criminal Justice Council and avoid the sunset of that arrangement in 2026. Members noted the bill stemmed from a prior Joint Legislative Oversight effort to provide the council with staff support and training. Robert Overmiller again testified in support, and there was no opposition or further public comment. The meeting concluded after discussion of the two bills, with no votes recorded in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/5/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:03:38.799> have people provided uh with justice have people provided uh with justice have
  • <00:04:10.480> partner examiners, develop a new justice partner examiners, develop a new justice
  • We're requesting chief justice security.
  • <00:29:50.159> about meeting with the chief justice about meeting with the chief justice about
  • , potentially protect the chief justice, potentially protect the chief justice, but<00:31:07.760>
Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378
Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Feb 11th, 2026

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice, waving in support. Kim Smith, waving against.
  • Barney Bishop from Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waving in support. Amina Spahick, Spanish?
  • And Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice, waving in support. Is there any debate?
  • Next we have Barney Bishop, waving in support, Florida Smart Justice Alliance.
  • CS for SB 758, Justice Administrative Commission, by Senator Bradley.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1300 on education and workforce development for current and former inmates. Senator Claudio explained that the bill is intended to expand collaboration between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections to provide training opportunities tied to Florida’s need for CDL drivers. The bill was reported favorably without debate. Members then considered SB 896 on campus safety, as amended by strike-all and late-filed amendment. The bill would require postsecondary institutions to adopt active assailant response plans, conduct security risk assessments, improve threat reporting and information sharing, and allow voluntary participation in the guardian program; the late-filed amendment removed a prohibition on guardians wearing uniforms. After questions about the firearm-discharge provision near campuses and testimony both for and against, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 86 on commercial motor vehicles operated by unauthorized aliens, SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and confirmed appointees listed on tabs 10 through 19. The committee next heard SB 712 on pyramid promotional schemes, which would create a new prohibition and increase penalties while preserving legitimate direct sales plans. Members raised concerns about whether participants in such schemes might themselves be victims, and the sponsor said prosecutorial discretion would distinguish victims from primary wrongdoers; the bill was reported favorably. SB 1224 on rental housing application fraud was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from apartment and realtor groups in support. In the latter part of the meeting, Chair Martin presented SB 1370 to expand habitual traffic offender status to repeated unlicensed driving, and SB 1712 to create a statewide FDLE counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit. SB 1370 was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1712 drew extensive questioning and public opposition over concerns about broad language, surveillance, and possible impacts on speech and protest, but the sponsor said the unit would focus on protecting the state from adversary intelligence threats and operate within constitutional limits; it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 758 on the Justice Administrative Commission was amended to adjust commission membership and reported favorably unanimously. The committee then recorded additional votes for members and adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Jan 20th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • legislative jurisdiction would give juveniles living on military installations access to the state juvenile justice
  • Senators, the Justice Administration Commission is the administrative office supporting court-related
  • Senators, the Justice Administration Commission is the Administrative Office supporting court-related
Summary: The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2. Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm sorry, House Bill 2947 by Representative McLaughlin from the Committee on Juvenile Justice, and recognizes
  • The Juvenile Justice Committee heard this and there was a change with regard to the penalties, and the
  • Committee on Juvenile Justice recognizes Chairman Cook to explain the bill.
  • the chair recalls House Bill 4476 by Representative McLaughlin from the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice
  • Recalls House Bill 4885 by Speaker Moody from the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice and recognizes Chairman
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Appeal from the Justice Court or Municipal Court.
  • And they just put "in the interest of justice."
  • So it's not just about justice for Montgomery County; it's not just about justice for victims; it's about
  • I mean, justice delayed is justice denied for anyone.
  • Transition past the House with broad bipartisan support.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee Apr 23rd, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am an Iraq War veteran and I am a racial justice veteran and I am a racial justice veteran and I am
  • a racial justice advocate from the Alabama Equality advocate from the Alabama Equality advocate from
  • to real estate, I actually transition to real estate, I actually transition to real estate, I actually
  • reform bills and and criminal justice reform bills and and criminal justice reform and I can say that
  • Yes. forward towards justice. Thank you. Yes. forward towards justice. Thank you. Yes. All right.
Bills: HB265, HB146, SB254, HB202, HB3, HB42, SB18
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 13th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • You've registered on behalf of yourself and the Justice for Peace and Constable Association, and you've
  • I've been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years.
  • treating people differently based solely on their immigration status, especially in the criminal justice
  • Additionally, a 2024 Department of Justice report found that 91% of girls in our secure facilities in
  • An affirmative defense for trafficking victims is crucial because it prevents the criminal justice system
MN
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HSH-HLT Joint Public Hearing - Thu Apr 16, 2026 @ 9:45 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • As our testimony outlines, we just commemorated Ka Leo Opu Mama, which seeks to provide transitional
  • As our testimony outlines, we just commemorated Ka Leo Opu Mama, which seeks to provide transitional
  • Leo Opu Mama, which seeks<00:18:17.200> to<00:18:17.679> provide<00:18:18.040> transitional
  • <00:18:19.320> housing seeks to provide transitional housing seeks to provide transitional
Bills: SCR63, SCR8, SCR160, SCR90, SCR93
Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard several resolutions focused on disability access, housing, and support for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. SCR 63 SD1 would have the Disability and Communication Access Board study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and revise provider guidance; testimony was strongly supportive, including from the board, a physician, and a family member who described harmful delays in care, and the committee later recommended passage as is. SCR 8 would require counties to act within 45 days on completed permit applications for home modifications needed for an older adult or person with a disability; testimony noted delays in permitting and financing, and the committee recommended passage as is. The committee also heard SCR 160, which urges state housing agencies to create a “housing ladder” program to help individuals and families move from subsidized to unsubsidized housing. Hawaii Public Housing Authority and other agencies supported the concept, and DHS described its family self-sufficiency program and said prior federal resident-services funding had declined over the past 20 years. The committee acknowledged the program may already exist in some form but still recommended adoption of the resolution as is. SCR 90 would ask county planning departments to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements for parking accessibility in private businesses. The committee moved it forward with an HD1 for technical amendments; a member raised concern that the measure did not specify the age threshold for “kupuna,” and said they would vote with reservations. Finally, SCR 93 would direct DHHL and the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions to develop a coordinated support and stabilization pathway for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or very low income. DHHL said it is already operating a transitional housing effort called Ka Leo Opu Mama for about 18 beneficiaries using more than $6 million in federal Nah Ho Sa funds, with no dedicated state funding, and the committee recommended passage as is. The meeting ended with the chair thanking testifiers and members and adjourning the hearing.