Video & Transcript Research : 'DOC'

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AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Mar 18th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We should want individuals who are sitting in DOC custody on a life without the possibility of parole
  • the extent they do, there's a lot of handwritten motions and petitions that come from individuals in DOC
  • You'd be in favor then of an amendment to clarify that part in parole—or that DOC would have to notify
  • DOC would have to notify those individuals who have been tagged as being potentially eligible to file
  • other words, one of these 150 to 200 individuals that have spent 25 plus years of their life inside DOC
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-28 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The other body's amendment essentially creates a three-year interim period in which DOC, generally speaking
  • Section 12 provides that the Agency of Human Services, in consultation with DOC, the Department of Health
  • Section 12 provides that the Agency of Human Services, in consultation with DOC, the Department of Health
  • In 2029, it is expected that a new forensic facility not operated by DOC will be online.
  • facility, which may or may not be collocated on a correctional facility, would be operated by AHS, DOC
Keywords: 927, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Jun 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's hard to see, but DCYF, DSHS, and DOC are the top three payout departments.
  • Those three departments are also the top three departments that face tort claims: DCYF, DSHS, and DOC
  • That repeated itself with DOC soon. To make the changes necessary with DSHS.
  • That repeated itself with DOC supervision of parolees in the early 2000s. Everyone did.
  • It is also a case for DOC that 33 claims account for nearly $90 million.
Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Appropriations Oct 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • change probably that we saw this summer, although we knew it was coming, is what was happening with doc
  • So normally we think of doc stamp as growing about 2.9% to 3% per year.
  • change probably that we saw this summer, although that we knew it was coming, is what was happening with Doc
  • So when you have sales down and price down, those are the two drivers of doc stamps.
  • So that's what's pulling doc down.
Summary: The committee met to hear Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s constitutionally required long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast reflects slower but still positive economic growth, continued above-average personal income growth, rising wages, and population growth that is increasingly driven by in-migration as Florida’s senior population expands. She highlighted weakening housing-related revenue, especially documentary stamp taxes, softer consumer sentiment, and the expectation that Florida will pass 25 million residents by 2030, with nearly a quarter of the population age 65 or older. Baker said the outlook largely retained the March 2025 general revenue forecast, but the Legislature’s 2025 session actions significantly improved near-term funds available by redirecting or freeing up money, including contingency appropriations and reversions. She noted total state reserves are just under $15 billion, or about 30% of general revenue, and that the budget stabilization fund is at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures in the outlook were critical needs, led by a new emergency preparedness and response fund transfer and Medicaid growth driven mainly by medical inflation and behavioral analysis costs in managed care, not by caseload growth. Other high-priority needs were also identified, and Baker said the first year shows a projected surplus, but years two and three show shortfalls, meaning fiscal strategies will still be needed. Members questioned Baker about the accuracy of the forecast, Medicaid managed care costs, the emergency preparedness fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook is a good representation of the total picture, though the Legislature will likely adjust it as conditions change, and that more information on federal changes would come in later estimating conferences. Senator Trumbull asked about the governor’s veto of $750 million, and Baker said it simply returned to unallocated general revenue rather than being spent or added to the budget stabilization fund. The chair closed by warning members to expect a difficult budgeting process and noting that the committee would adjourn without further action.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Oct 8th, 2025

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • change probably that we saw this summer, although we knew it was coming, is what was happening with doc
  • Knew it was coming is what was happening with doc stamp.
  • So normally we think of doc stamp as growing about 2.9% to 3% per year.
  • So when you have sales down and price down, those are the two drivers of doc stamps.
  • So that's what's pulling doc down.
Summary: The committee met to receive Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast assumes continued but moderating economic growth, with Florida GDP slowing from recent highs, personal income remaining above average, wages continuing to rise faster than job growth, and population growth eventually slowing as the state approaches 2030 and the baby-boomer cohort fully ages into retirement. She also highlighted weakening housing and real-estate-related revenue, especially documentary stamp collections, along with low consumer sentiment as signs of caution in the outlook. Baker explained that the state’s near-term general revenue picture improved largely because of legislative actions taken in the prior session, including contingency releases, reversions, and other budget adjustments, rather than from major new revenue growth. She said reserves remain strong at nearly $15 billion, or just under 30% of general revenue, with the budget stabilization fund at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures identified were critical needs and other high-priority needs, led by a new recurring transfer to the emergency preparedness and response fund and by Medicaid, where rising service costs and medical inflation—especially behavioral analysis costs in managed care—are driving higher expenditures despite lower caseloads and a slightly better federal match. Members questioned the accuracy of the forecast, the Medicaid cost drivers, the treatment of the governor’s emergency fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook assumes current federal funding paths continue, that the new federal tax/revenue law had not yet been fully incorporated because agencies were still reviewing it, and that the emergency fund line was calculated from recent appropriations without distinguishing specific uses. She also said the vetoed $750 million did not affect the budget stabilization fund because it reverted to unallocated general revenue. No bills were heard, no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • You've got corrections officers for DOC. And here's the other thing.
  • same exception for guards that<00:36:15.839> work<00:36:16.079> for<00:36:16.320> DOC
  • that work for DOC. that work for DOC.
  • :28.720> corrections<00:36:29.280> officers<00:36:29.839> for<00:36:30.320> DOC
  • You've got corrections officers for DOC. You've got corrections officers for DOC.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 18, 2026

Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We went from licensing 350 or so docs per year to now we're licensing about 1,500 docs per year.
  • Uh, we went from having 2,400 licensed docs when I came to work for the board in 2007.
  • We went from licensing 350 or so docs per year to now we're licensing about 1,500 docs per year.
  • Uh, we went from having 2,400 licensed docs when I came to work for the board in 2007.
  • We went from licensing 350 or so docs per year to now we're licensing about 1,500 docs per year.
Bills: HB0143, HB0129
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Public Safety Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, so this is the DOC policy provisions. They are all revenue neutral. And they do a few things.
  • transfers of appropriated funds between programs to align with recent internal fiscal restructuring at the DOC
  • that had not been spent in the current fiscal year, and so those dollars were reallocated so that the DOC
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Healthcare Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Healthcare

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, anybody else want to speak for Doc? >> We have one more. >> Yeah.
  • I've talked about this, but you know, there was a situation where the ER doc may have to go to the nursing
  • Uh, I know I went to a minor issue for what we call the doc in the box.
  • Uh, I know I went to a minor issue for what we call the doc in the box.
  • Uh, I know I went to a minor issue for what we call the doc in the box.
Bills: SB63, SB80, SB63, SB80
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-28 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But it still wouldn't prove that DOC gave you COVID.
  • That's still in the DOC bill.
  • For example, if let's just use a slip and fall in a DOC facility, if you are visiting DOC and fall, you
  • The DOC is dealing with tons and tons of complaints.
  • For example, if let's just use a slip and fall in a DOC facility, if you are visiting DOC and fall, you
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 035 Feb 18th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:47:52.480> And what is happening in DOC uh at YOS.
  • And what is happening in DOC uh at YOS.
  • We have a lack of personnel in the DOC.
  • , and the DOC is just going to voluntarily do all these things basically for free.’
  • We don't want to put DOC<01:00:16.160> in<01:00:16.400> a<01:00:16.640> position
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from February 13, 2026, and heard several announcements and introductions, including recognition of student guests and notices about upcoming committee meetings. Members also shared informal remarks tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, a water policy breakfast, and other caucus or committee updates. The chamber then took up special orders for several bills, including House Bill 1013 and House Bill 1064. House Bill 1013, concerning ratio utility billing systems used by landlords to allocate utility charges to tenants, was presented as a technical cleanup to last year’s House Bill 1090. Supporters said it was intended to clarify that such billing practices remain allowable and to align the statute with legislative intent. Amendment L002, offered to state that the bill created no private right of action and to limit litigation, was debated at length but defeated. Opponents argued it would restrict existing rights under consumer protection law, while supporters said it would reduce unnecessary lawsuits. The bill then passed the committee. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, was also heard. Supporters said the bill codifies existing Department of Corrections practices, updates language to promote effective communication, and reflects evidence-informed, trauma-informed rehabilitation aimed at reducing recidivism. Amendment L003, which adjusted language to be more inclusive of the YOS community, was adopted. Several members opposed the bill, arguing it codified practices already in place, lacked clarity on evaluators and costs, and did not sufficiently account for victims’ perspectives. Despite that opposition, the committee report was adopted and the bill advanced with the amendment.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I think that what we would end up doing is, because turnover in DOC is just huge.
  • Chair, Representative Volk, we've never in DOC had a problem of hiring.
  • One of the reasons that we just talked about DOC and retention is you go through all that training and
  • APA is strongly opposed because they would rather see this money go towards raises for DPS and the DOC
  • And I've also—the other entity that's in the bill is something for DOC for retention, and that's Mr.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1161, which would prevent lapse of a $750,000 FY2026 appropriation to DPS for the Yuma County Family Advocacy Center (Amberly’s Place). Testimony described the center’s 24/7 crisis response, forensic interview and medical services, and satellite offices in nearby communities. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 11-0 roll call, with three members absent. The committee then considered SB 1215, a clarifying bill on the list of cancers covered by the occupational disease presumption for firefighters and peace officers, with a retroactivity amendment to June 30, 2021. Firefighters’ representatives said the measure corrects a drafting issue involving adenocarcinoma and would prevent denials of claims; members asked about peace officer coverage, independent medical exams, and workers’ compensation impacts. The amendment was adopted and the bill received a do pass recommendation, with 11 ayes, one present, and two absent. SB 1270, dealing with supplemental employer contributions to defined contribution accounts for corrections employees, drew testimony focused on severe retention problems in corrections and county detention. Supporters said the bill would allow optional incentive payments at service intervals to help keep trained officers on the job; members discussed vesting, recruitment versus retention, and whether the program could be funded without a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do pass recommendation, with ten ayes, one nay, two present, and one absent. The committee also heard SB 1400, authorizing law enforcement wellness and crisis response programs and setting confidentiality rules. Police association testimony supported the concept but noted concerns about the breadth of the privilege carve-outs, especially if licensed therapists are involved; several members said they would support the bill after an amendment clarifying privilege protections. The bill was reported do pass with ten ayes, one nay, and two present. SB 1538, as a strike-everything amendment, would require workers’ compensation coverage for PTSD treatment for firefighters and peace officers and allow one MDMA treatment course if federal approval and rescheduling occur by January 1, 2029. Supporters described promising clinical trial results and argued it could help severe PTSD cases, while county representatives opposed the mandate and raised cost and approval concerns. The amendment was adopted and the bill received a do pass recommendation, with seven ayes, three nays, and one present. Finally, the committee considered SB 1537, renaming the peace officer training equipment fund as the public safety de-escalation and life safety fund and repealing its advisory commission. Testimony explained the change was meant to reduce confusion between similar funds and reflect the fund’s use for de-escalation and safety equipment; some members noted opposition from the Arizona Police Association and concerns about whether the money might be better used for raises. The bill passed on a 7-4 vote with three absent. The committee then began SB 1580, which would appropriate Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund money for fire incident management support and other public safety equipment, including pepperball equipment, simulators, records management software, and retention/recruitment efforts. Testimony supported the equipment and data-sharing investments, but members also questioned accountability, ongoing costs, and whether the listed uses were the best use of the fund.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a cultural coordinator for our tribe, and I'm also a volunteer for Minnesota DOC.
  • takes chair representive atne the doc takes position<00:23:27.240> that<00:23:27.400> the<
  • commissioner Kelly Mitchell from Doc commissioner Kelly Mitchell from Doc here<00:53:12.960>
  • Any questions for the bill author or DOC? Representative Pinto: Not a question, I...
  • I'm just very impressed, so thank you, DOC, for the work, and thank you, Representative Kran.
Keywords: 1183, house
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 02/04/2026

Crime Victims, Crime And Correction

Transcript Highlights:
  • and investigate complaints from any source related to allegations of sexual assault of inmates in DOCS
  • Any inmate in DOCS custody would have the right to report a sexual assault incident directly to the IG's
  • included in this, and that is because the intent is to ensure that there is an impartial, not employed by DOCS
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met with a quorum and considered 10 bills. The committee advanced measures on crime victims’ awards (S.156), Inspector General review of sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities (S.429), expanded substance use programming access for non-English-speaking incarcerated people (S.863), preliminary license application procedures to identify criminal-history disqualifications early (S.1048, the PLAN Act), visitation rules for local correctional facilities (S.1892B), lethality assessments in domestic violence incidents (S.2280B), breast pumps for certain incarcerated nursing parents (S.2666A), time allowances when program completion is prevented by circumstances beyond an individual’s control (S.3974), health and human rights protections for incarcerated pregnant people and their children (S.4583A, the CARE Act), and visiting policies for incarcerated individuals (S.5037). Most bills were reported to Finance; S.1892B was reported from committee, and several members noted prior Senate passage or recurring support for some of the measures.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's only going to increase DOC sentences. One more point, Mr.
  • . was found guilty of that violation, it's mandatory revocation back to DOC under this bill, whereas
  • So the initial cost, I think DOC will be absorbing that initial cost for the first year because it's
  • So when you say the DOC is not opposing, I think it's important to note that this is a population of
  • Chair, just really quickly to your point of DOC wanting to get them off their hands, I would actually
Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1170, which would impose enhanced sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to minors when the sale contributes to the minor’s death, and would treat the offense as a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under 15. The sponsor and families of overdose victims urged passage as a way to hold dealers accountable, while ACLU/AACJ opposition argued the bill would sweep too broadly, remove judicial discretion, and increase prison terms for people with substance use disorders. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 5-2 vote. Members then considered Senate Bill 1012, which would change concealed-carry signage rules for Series 12 restaurants and limit liquor-license consequences in those settings. The sponsor and gun-rights groups said the bill was a narrow correction that would not expand carry rights or property rights, while liquor-industry opponents said it would override restaurant owners’ decisions about whether to allow firearms. The committee approved the bill 6-2. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1511, requiring proof of lawful presence for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in Arizona and allowing citations and possible impoundment when proof is not provided. The sponsor tied the bill to trucking safety and fatal crashes, while no outside speakers testified. The bill received a 6-2 do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1100 creating a state registration/disclosure system for lobbyists representing foreign adversary principals, with Homeland Security supporting the measure and CAIR Arizona opposing it as overbroad; the amended bill passed 8-0. Additional bills were heard and recommended do pass, including SB 1004 on GPS monitoring for homeless sex offenders, SB 1213 denying probation to unlawfully present defendants and requiring ICE notification, SB 1402 requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, SB 1709 mandating revocation and consecutive prison terms for probation violations by adults convicted of dangerous crimes against children, SB 1413 removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death from moving violations, and SB 1416 updating missing-child notification and photo-distribution procedures. The committee also heard SB 1725, which would create a civil cause of action and petty offense for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property; supporters, including a 13-year-old student and the sponsor, said it would protect neighbors and schoolchildren, while opponents argued existing trespass law is sufficient and the bill could conflict with medical marijuana protections. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1725, before a final vote is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • She said she looks forward to continuing the conversations and working with the DOC on this.
  • The DOC does collect representative.
  • This has been a long-standing practice<00:38:22.400> within<00:38:22.720> DOC.
  • Um same with like practice within DOC.
  • As part of the release plan, DOC works on court-obligated payments.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:45 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know that they have Burrell College at State to do different types of docs, but I'm just wondering
  • I talked to one of the docs out there, and it not only affects the care of the people in Española and
  • the surrounding communities, but it really affects the docs out there on their education.
  • And Madam President, Doc, just a couple of the quick ones here. How do you know you're doing good?
  • And thank you to the docs that stay here after their residency.
Bills: SB5, SB6, SB8
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Health May 12th, 2025

Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Then there is a one-year post-doc, a one-year residency, at which point you can become licensed after
  • Because I thought you said one-year post-doc. Then I thought you said one year.
  • Okay, and then post-doc, and then you said two years post-doc.
  • But you already said one-year post-doc, so I'm confused.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The DOC is requesting $9.1 million from the state's general fund, as well as legislative approval to
  • At the beginning of 2025, and presently, our staffing levels within the DOC stand at 99%, which is a
  • The DOC is requesting $9.1 million from the state's general fund, as well as legislative approval to
  • The DOC is requesting $9.1 million from the state's general fund, as well as legislative approval to
  • At the beginning of 2025, and presently, our staffing levels within the DOC stand at 99%, which is a
Keywords: 1183, house
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • The DOC numbers are showing that the cost to the Department of Corrections is $37.33 to $44.33 per day
  • But even with those numbers, we are still the least expensive. the doc numbers are showing that the the
  • doc numbers are showing that the cost<00:14:29.360> to<00:14:29.600> the<00:14:29.760>
  • In that same time, from 2019 to 2025, the DOC budget has increased 27.5%, and the halfway house
  • comparison DOC correctional officers make<00:16:01.600> anywhere<00:16:02.160> in<00:16
Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Committee met without a quorum, so approval of the January 3, January 20, and February 3 minutes was postponed. The committee then heard an update from the Department of Corrections on halfway house and Recovery Kentucky funding and operations. Deputy Commissioner Hillary Daily said DOC contracts for up to 1,752 halfway house beds and 780 Recovery Kentucky beds, with 16 halfway houses and 13 Recovery Kentucky centers statewide. She reported 6,329 admissions in fiscal year 2025, average daily populations of 1,041 in halfway houses and 494 in Recovery Kentucky, and explained that Recovery Kentucky placements are more restrictive, generally excluding violent and sex offenders, while halfway houses serve probationers, parolees, and sex offenders who need treatment. She also described programming such as MRT, parenting, adult basic education, and trauma-focused services, and said some facilities offer supervised visitation. Daily said no new funding request was included in the current budget, though DOC has sought rate increases in prior cycles. Community Transitional Services director Barbara Stum also testified in support of halfway houses as re-entry and substance abuse treatment centers. She said CTS primarily serves men coming out of prison or returning to prison who need treatment, and that halfway houses provide security, accountability, treatment, employment support, and help with home placement. Stum said the state moved substance abuse treatment into the community in 2010 to avoid sending people back to prison for treatment, and argued halfway houses are the least expensive form of incarceration. She cited daily rates of $33.61 for CTS beds and DOC figures of $37.33 to $44.33 per day, compared with higher prison and jail costs, and said reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation since the last increase in 2019. She said staffing and supplies are the main pressure points, with counselor pay below market rates, and noted two counselor vacancies. A former resident, Michael Bird, testified that CTS helped him recover and re-enter the community successfully. The committee also received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of the video arraignment/video conferencing system. AOC officials Zach Ramsey and Charles Buyers said the system is now fully implemented in all courtrooms and is used for video arraignments and other Zoom-based court proceedings. Buyers described the pandemic-era transition from older, inconsistent equipment to improvised laptop/webcam setups, then to a more integrated vendor-supported system with touchscreen controls and a judicial support specialist position for training and operation. He said 324 courtrooms are already up to the current standard, with 128 remaining on an older bundle, and that there are no technical barriers to continued use. AOC said it is seeking $3.8 million in recurring annual funding to keep the systems upgraded and current, and plans to upgrade 46 systems in fiscal year 2026 across 15 counties.