Transcript Highlights:

• So that is the whole intent, is to prevent future controversial things in elections. Thank you.
• is the the whole intent<00:05:00.400><c> is</c><00:05:00.600><c> to</c> intent is to intent is to prevent
• <00:05:02.759><c> um</c><00:05:03.400><c> future</c> prevent um future prevent um future controversial
• As you heard earlier, these cameras are also used to prevent other attacks as well as to ensure that
• addictions and others that we are opioid addictions and others that we are trying<01:00:19.680><c> to

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• act to amend Title 33 relative to the establishment of fire limits, to authorize municipalities to prevent
• act to in Title 33, relative to the establishment of fire limits to authorize the municipality to prevent
• fires by establishing fire limits and prohibiting the storage, authorize the municipality to prevent
• Senate Bill 338 by Senator Barrow is an act to amend Title 17 relative to prevention of bullying in schools
• Title 33 relative to East Baton Rouge Parish, to provide relative to the Park Court Terrace Crime Prevention

Bills: SR107 , SCR53 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR12 , HB167 , HB181 , HB243 , HB316 , HB321 , HB335 , HB492 , HB578 , HB624 , HB708 , HB864 , HB906 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1032 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1118 , HB1157 , HB1187 , HB1189 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1220 , HB221 , HCR58 , SB283 , SB338 , SB488 , SB520 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , SB68 , SB76 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB318 , SB162 , SB382 , SCR33 , SCR30 , SB112 , SB194 , SB307 , SB341 , SB346 , SB363 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , SB513 , SB408 , SB131 , SB145 , SB333 , SB464 , SB466 , SB500 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB312 , SB319 , SB323 , SB369 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB501 , HCR14 , HB537 , HB652 , HB653 , HB661 , HB726 , HB756 , HB851 , HB964 , HB966 , HB34 , HB35 , HB48 , HB474 , HB553 , HB758 , HB852 , HB10 , HB16 , HB36 , HB44 , HB46 , HB52 , HB61 , HB78 , HB98 , HB102 , HB124 , HB126 , HB131 , HB135 , HB141 , HB142 , HB164 , HB170 , HB171 , HB179 , HB194 , HB231 , HB245 , HB280 , HB292 , HB294 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB199 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB119 , HB129 , HB677 , HB850

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community

Transcript Highlights:

• we began to understand the actual cause of heart attacks, we implemented our own awareness and prevention
• that are also addressing the issues of food access and food security, specifically a bill that would prevent
• As you're probably aware, it is a pure opioid agonist that functions similar to morphine, but is about
• not even derivatives, but just metabolites like pseudo-indoxyl mitragynine that's as potent of an opioid
• Waller and I serve on the board of the Washington Association for Substance Issues and Violence Prevention

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1760 will also prevent the expansion of Medicaid premium charges to between 7,000 and 8,000 children
• HB 1760 will also prevent the expansion of Medicaid premium charges to between 7,000 and 8,000 children
• HB 1760 will also prevent the expansion of Medicaid premium charges to between 7,000 and 8,000 children
• If you look at the benefit-risk ratios of opioids versus cannabis versus these drugs, Palmer, Palmer,
• </c> at the um benefit risk ratios of opioids at the um benefit risk ratios of opioids versus<01:10:50.000

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• They prevent and assist those experiencing homelessness.
• And by the way, my husband says, ...disease because we can prevent it in the first place, and this is
• I think it's hard to quantify the amount of money that you save by preventing disease. device itself,
• I think it's hard to quantify the amount of money that you save by preventing disease.
• The amount of money that you save by preventing disease.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed Judges Day guests and other visitors, and read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month. Members also made brief introductions of guests and the doctor of the day, Dr. Philip Williams. The chamber then moved through a long Committee of the Whole agenda, taking up numerous bills with committee and floor amendments, most of them receiving do-pass or due-pass recommendations after brief explanations and some debate. Notable discussion included HB 2444, where several members raised concerns about pharmacist-led care, patient safety, and rural health impacts, while the sponsor argued it would expand affordable access to care; HB 2726, which drew comments about a new sleep apnea device and whether it was a vendor-driven proposal; HB 2991, a bipartisan effort to address social media harms to children; and HB 4070, a bill framed as a “corporate death penalty” approach to combat sex trafficking. Other measures addressed kinship placement in child welfare, midwifery oversight, vulnerable adult protections, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans, license plate omnibus language, and county and education-related issues. After the Committee of the Whole reported, the House adopted the report and assigned measures for engrossing. The chamber then proceeded to third reading votes on several bills. HB 2123, dealing with financial institutions and gold/silver legal tender, failed on a 24-28 vote after an excusal request was granted to one member with a financial conflict. HB 2270, concerning county authority and sheriff’s posse dissolution procedures, passed 50-3. HB 2324, creating a state fire marshal-related provision, passed 53-0, as did HB 2404 on mental health services. HB 2495 on sentencing failed 26-27. HB 2557 on patient records passed 37-16, HB 2574 on traffic violation appeals passed 52-0, HB 2594 on domestic relations and address confidentiality passed 44-9, HB 2611 on child welfare passed 51-0, HB 2681 on the county employee merit system passed 53-0, and HB 2697 also passed 51-0. The session continued into additional votes beyond the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then preventing clearing related to their clean slate legislation.
• and then preventing Facing criminal charges was a big part of that legislation.
• And then preventing kids over 17 from being prosecuted in adult court was another one.
• That's a prevention. Can we go to the next slide?
• Those prevention and also those intervention services.

Bills: SB6062

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess part of my concern is always because, again, when we had the opioid addiction, we started talking
• discrimination, free eviction defense services in Orleans Parish, policy advocacy, and foreclosure prevention
• Policy advocacy is why I'm here, and foreclosure prevention services for homeowners.
• I’m with the People’s Council, and I also served on the Governor’s Interagency Council to prevent street
• access funding through HUD, help to maximize or optimize Medicaid, and also make available some of the opioid

Bills: HB29 , HB39 , HB77 , HB153 , HB183 , HB211 , HB263 , HB299 , HB324 , HB519 , HB520 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB805 , HB823 , HB1004 , HB1011 , HB1018

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: insurance fund, retired employees, Ascension Parish, court clerks, premium costs, investment advisory board, HB 39, Act 283, peace officer, law enforcement officer, police certification, citizenship requirement, U.S. citizen, United States citizen, naturalization, lawful permanent resident, green card holder, immigration, public safety, law enforcement hiring

Transcript Highlights:

• Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act, requiring dealer security measures to prevent
• An act making an appropriation to the Department of Health for mosquito surveillance, prevention, and
• Senate Bill 87, introduced by Senator Brandt, an act relating to public health, creating the opioid addiction
• prevention pilot project to improve post-surgical pain management and reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing
• , requiring nurse navigation and clinical... ...and reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing, requiring

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to call the meeting to order, the Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
• And so, and we've recommended that we use the opioid funding and the marijuana tax, recreational marijuana

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to call the meeting to order, the Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
• And so, and we've recommended that we use the opioid funding and the marijuana tax, recreational marijuana

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Summary: The Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment met to open the meeting, confirm electronic participation, and establish a quorum. The chair reviewed the task force’s prior work and the cumulative goals from its annual reports, including sustaining SUD funding, recognizing recovery support providers, improving emergency transportation for Medicaid, establishing a mental health course, and continuing funding through opioid and marijuana tax revenues. The chair also outlined the process used to compile the annual reports and suggested that the task force seek department feedback on progress toward those goals and set the agenda for summer hearings. The main business was election of officers. Senator Nicola was nominated for chair, with Representative Taylor also nominated. After roll call, Senator Nicola was elected chair for the remainder of the year by a 6-4 vote. Representative Taylor was then nominated for vice chair, nominations were closed, and he was elected by acclamation. Representative Taylor said he would work with staff to schedule summer hearings, gather department input, and meet with the governor’s office to align on priorities. Several members offered closing comments thanking participants and staff for their work, especially the policy team and those who helped compile the reports and data. Members noted that more work remains on substance use issues in Missouri and suggested increasing public notice for future meetings so people on the ground can participate. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:53:55.920><c> funded</c><00:53:56.319><c> by</c><00:53:56.400><c> the</c><00:53:56.559><c> opioid
• </c> programs were funded by the opioid programs were funded by the opioid abatement.<00:53:57.839><c
• The committee then moved on to number 3. who chairs the opioid abatement who chairs the opioid abatement
• ><c> to</c><00:54:50.880><c> end</c><00:54:51.119><c> up</c><00:54:52.119><c> finding</c> opioids.
• You're going to end up finding opioids.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would prevent some from getting in.
• THIS BILL WOULD PREVENT SOME FROM GETTING&nbsp;&nbsp; 480 IN EVEN IF IT PREVENTS ONE CHILD FROM GETTING
• &nbsp; 512 PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CRISIS RESPONSE.
• me from getting treatment to prevent further risk and diseases.
• me from getting treatment to prevent further risk and diseases.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> health</c> It helps prevent long-term health It helps prevent long-term health complications<00:
• <00:30:20.080><c> other</c><00:30:20.399><c> conditions</c> preventing other conditions preventing other
• </c> section two opioid abatement trust fun. section two opioid abatement trust fun.
• The opioid abatement trust fund... The opioid abatement trust fund.
• The um opioid abatement thank you, Judy. The um opioid abatement trust<02:28:39.840><c> fund.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have as much of the anxiety and some of the other effects of opioid withdrawal.
• A myth was that if you can use mitragynine or kratom to relieve withdrawal, it must be an opioid, but
• It doesn't have as much of the anxiety and some of the other effects of opioid withdrawal.
• A myth was that if you can use mitragynine or kratom to relieve withdrawal, it must be an opioid, but
• A myth was that if you can use mitragynine or kratom to relieve withdrawal, it must be an opioid, but

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It has led to pressure and public attempts to prevent or evoke releases.
• It has led to pressure and public attempts to prevent or evoke releases.
• This is a growing issue that we can collectively intervene in and prevent.
• We are still reeling from the opioid epidemic, and collectively we need to do all we can to prevent another
• Hello, my name is Carrie Holly, and I am an opioid prevention specialist with Whatcom County Health and

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with testimony limited because of the large number of sign-ups. House Bill 2146 would expand the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor to include causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct that is being photographed or shown in a live performance. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and argued the current law leaves a gap by treating such conduct as only misdemeanor indecent exposure or communication with a minor. Committee members asked about comparisons to other states, forensic interviews, and whether related offenses could be enhanced. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as sheriffs, county executives, city officials, and legislators. The sponsor said the bill would codify a practice already occurring in some cases and help officials respond to community concerns with accurate information. DSHS supported increased communication but requested technical amendments. Several city officials testified in support, saying they had not always been notified in advance of placements in their communities. Defense advocates opposed the bill, warning that broader notification could fuel public pressure, vigilante responses, and constitutional problems for the civil commitment system. The hearing on the bill was left open for amendments. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters or similar containers, with exemptions for medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters described rising misuse among youth and young adults, public health harms, and incidents involving impaired driving and overdose deaths. Tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Poison Center, and public health officials supported the bill, while veterinary representatives asked for clarification or an amendment to preserve veterinary use. The committee also heard testimony on House Bills 2430 and 2457, which both concern the crime victim penalty assessment. Representative Barno’s bill would restore the assessment for certain offenses involving victims, while Representative Davis’s bill would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Victim advocates, prosecutors, and sheriffs supported the bills as needed to restore funding for victim services, while defense groups opposed them as burdensome fees on indigent defendants. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal, and the hearings were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the opportunity today to prevent becoming like the Eloi.
• We have the opportunity today to prevent becoming like the Eloi.
• We have the opportunity today to prevent becoming like the Eloi.
• </c> best policy is, and preventing best policy is, and preventing unnecessary<02:03:09.360><c> risk,
• > other</c> opioids, benzodiaines or other opioids, benzodiaines or other controlled<04:00:33.920><c>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It is needed to ensure access to non-opioid choices.
• When a patient and their physician has determined that a non-opioid treatment is the best option, the
• :06.200><c> a</c> their physician has determined that a their physician has determined that a non-opioid
• 08.080><c> is</c><00:13:08.200><c> the</c><00:13:08.320><c> best</c><00:13:08.680><c> option,</c> non-opioid
• treatment is the best option, non-opioid treatment is the best option, the<00:13:09.600><c> patient<

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• with cardiovascular disease, BMI screening and follow-up, medication reconciliation post-discharge, opioid
• </c><00:10:13.120><c> So</c><00:10:13.200><c> we</c><00:10:13.360><c> have</c> preventative care as well
• So we have preventative care as well.
• -</c> medication reconciliation post- medication reconciliation post- discharge,<00:10:40.880><c> opioid
• </c><00:10:41.440><c> stewardship,</c><00:10:42.480><c> wellchild</c> discharge, opioid stewardship,

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last year, we've reduced opioid deaths by 31%. We've launched...
• We've reduced opioid deaths by 31%.
• ...for suicide prevention for our students using the crisis hub.
• “An ounce of prevention could be worth a pound of water. Yes.
• Prevention, preservation, protection, and permanency. And permanency. Okay.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible. The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services. Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are three mandatory requirements of the 1115 waiver: people receive medication for opioid use disorder
• About 30% of the incarcerated population suffers from opioid use disorder.
• About 30% of the incarcerated populations suffer from opioid use disorder.
• served and get themselves out of an environment that is extraordinarily harsh and also potentially prevent

Summary: The committee began with a Department of Corrections update focused on agency culture, staff safety, reentry, and health services. Secretary Tim Lang highlighted DOC’s “Washington Way” approach, expanded visitation reforms, safety summits, community-corrections sanction changes, education and transportation improvements, partial confinement expansion, and efforts to increase volunteer and peer-led programming. Assistant Secretaries Danielle Armbruster and David Flynn described progress on Pell Grant implementation, reentry transportation, partial confinement, behavioral health standards, HIPAA compliance, the 1115 Medicaid waiver, telehealth expansion, and budget requests for opioid use disorder treatment, close-custody capacity, and staffing relief. Members asked about veterans’ units, telehealth for substance use treatment, women’s placement on the east side, correctional industries, and firefighting training. The new Office of Correction Ombuds director, Jeremiah Bourgeois, then outlined the office’s mission and limited resources, saying he would focus on the most serious complaints and continue building accountability with DOC. He described recent OCO reports, including findings of excessive force at the women’s prison, and said DOC had agreed to implement all recommendations. He also noted a new process for referring possible criminal misconduct to DOC leadership and law enforcement. Committee members praised the DOC-OCO partnership and Bourgeois’s appointment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5895, which would add a new basis for extraordinary medical placement when DOC cannot meet an incarcerated person’s basic medical care needs. Senator Saldana said the bill is intended to provide a compassionate, workable path for people with serious or end-of-life medical needs while maintaining public safety. Testifiers in support included family members, Disability Rights Washington, and the League of Women Voters, who said the current EMP process is too restrictive and rarely results in release. DOC testified that it supports the EMP framework but has concerns about the bill’s definition of “basic medical care.” A former DOC physician suggested extending the qualifying time period and adding “approximately” to the language. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5873, which would expand escorted leaves of absence to include reentry-focused outings and broaden the family definition for funeral or bedside visits. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to support a “slow release” and better prepare people for community reentry. DOC supported the concept, and witnesses from public defense, DOC reentry, and Amend said escorted reentry outings are consistent with evidence-based and international correctional practices. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5945, which would limit persistent offender sentencing to convictions occurring after age 18 and require resentencing for affected people. Supporters argued the bill aligns with youth brain-development research and would address racial disparities; opponents, including prosecutors, victim advocates, and sheriffs’ representatives, said it would reopen painful cases, undermine finality, and impose costs. The hearing on that bill was still underway when the transcript ended.