Transcript Highlights:

• HB 362 creates the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish
• So it’s an update to the Jefferson Place, Bockeyes, Crime Prevention District, to allow them to increase

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Bills: SB1192, SB1264, SB1284, SB1810, SB1921

Keywords: substance abuse, counseling, assessment fees, mental health, alcohol and drug programs, domestic violence, domestic abuse, assault and battery, assault, battery, strangulation, dangerous weapon, family or household member, intimate partner, pregnant woman, great bodily injury, batterers intervention program, batterers' intervention, anger management, victim safety

Bills: HB277, SB89, HB135, HB277, SB89, HB135

Keywords: HB277, 2A Sales Tax Holiday, firearms tax exemption, ammunition, hunting supplies, sales tax holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Second Amendment, gun tax holiday, gun rights, outdoor gear, hunting equipment, state sales tax, use tax, local option tax exemption, county opt-in, municipal opt-in, Department of Revenue, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• So Texas is taking the lead on tackling organized financial crimes. builds upon our work from the last
• With us here today we have Captain Jeff Headley with the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to speak
• Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Mr.
• crime.
• This change is a vital enhancement to our state's ability to combat financial crime.

Bills: HB201, HB272, HB618, HB 1094, HB 1142, HB201, HB272

Keywords: financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, HB 618, Texas insurance code, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility treatment, infertility coverage, government employee health benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• following a crime.
• A crime of opportunity, like burglary of a vehicle or robbery, jugging is a form of organized crime with
• deal with in violent crime.
• Oftentimes, violent crime deals with intoxication and a gun or weapon.
• The problem with white-collar crime is that it misses all those elements.

Bills: HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, there are quite a lot of crime cases that I know in my own Senate district.
• This is a serious major crime that needs to be investigated, but in big cities like Harris.
• So, sir, are you insinuating that people in big cities are not wanting to enforce crime?
• Are you flat-out saying that Democrats don't want to fight crime? Certainly, I would say that, yes.
• Davion confessed to the crimes but was found incompetent to stand trial.

Bills: HB33, HB45, HB48, HB1261, HB1465, HB1778, HB2596, HB5238, SB2969, HB45, HB48

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• remember about this is the deterrent remember about this is the deterrent factor<00:03:48.720>
• Uh, other crimes are associated with it.
• And um but the those individual crimes.
• underlying crime. underlying crime.
• Um, he's with the drug crimes.

Bills: SF0007, SF0008, SF0009, SF0010

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, 916

Transcript Highlights:

• , cartel crime, or gang violence.
• Animal fighting is linked to other serious crimes.
• I'm trying to just make sure that this would be a crime that's in line with other crimes in that same
• The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.
• This crime is committed by the same organized crime groups that engage in gas pump skimming.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think crime begins just... ...I think crime begins just...
• I think in all of our analysis it's always the same, which is the deterrent to crime.
• I think in all of our analysis is always the same, which is the deterrent to crime.
• crime, oftentimes multiple crimes.
• crime.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially under an umbrella of either organized crime, cartel crime, or gang violence, uh, by increasing
• Sheriff, are you seeing any organized crime? It is clearly organized crime.
• Animal fighting is linked to other serious crimes.
• I'm trying to just make sure that this would, uh, be, be a crime that's in line with other crimes in
• This crime is committed by the same organized crime groups that commit gas pump skimming.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:16.080> happening good deterrent for what's happening good deterrent for what's happening
• So, I wanted to thank you on crimes.
• It doesn't always solve a problem to add another crime that can be added to a list of crimes that a prosecutor
• The elements, I think, are pretty straightforward for this crime.
• <00:14:08.399> Uh straightforward for this crime. Uh straightforward for this crime.

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to predict her crime. analysis, meaning hot spots, areas where crime can occur.
• I think it's not just gun crime. I think it's crime in general. And I hope this helps.
• I investigate violent crimes, officer-involved shootings, and other felony crimes.
• Just like the other crimes. Okay.
• Just like the other crimes. Okay.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• charged with this crime. charged with this crime.
• Um, the way this bill is written, it takes existing crimes, the crime of riot, the crime of disorderly
• crime of harassment. And it says that if crime of harassment.
• We just specified which crimes those are. So it can't just be any crime.
• It would have to be the crime of crime.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea behind deterrence theory is that people who might commit a crime are undergoing some kind of
• So, for example, crimes of impulse. We'll think a lot about youth and juvenile crime.
• Deterrence isn't part of that calculus.
• And I was just asked to talk about recidivism and deterrence.
• crime.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information. The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• to violent crime.
• You talked about deterrence, and what we know is the best deterrence is apprehension.
• rates by committing fewer crimes.
• rates by committing fewer crimes.
• rates by committing fewer crimes.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea behind deterrence theory is that people who might commit a crime are undergoing some kind of
• So, for example, crimes of impulse. We'll think a lot about youth and juvenile crime.
• Think about mistake crimes. Things are happening because of an emotion. Think about mistake crimes.
• And I was just asked to talk about recidivism and deterrence.
• crime.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because crime rates cannot justify these bills, proponents cite deterrence.
• . crime. crime.
• these crime spots. these crime spots.
• ,<00:54:42.079> about<00:54:42.319> deterrence, arguments about crime, about deterrence
• , arguments about crime, about deterrence, and<00:54:43.440> protecting<00:54:43.839> the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:00.000> kind<01:14:00.159> of deterrent for more crimes, that kind of deterrent
• It seems to me that deterrence only works if people know that it's a crime and, number two, what the
• It seems to me that deterrence only works if people know that it's a crime and, number two, what the
• Um, seems to me that deterrence only works if people know that it's a crime and, number two, what the
• It seems to me that deterrence only works if people know that it's a crime and, number two, what the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Same here for property crime.
• And as you get into crimes like violent crime and property crime, bigger-picture crimes where there's
• like violent crime and property crime, bigger picture crimes, where there's a lot larger numbers, the
• official crime rates.
• deterrents.

Summary: The House Committee on Community Safety held a December 4, 2025 work session focused first on crime trends and then on policing effectiveness. Adam Gelb of the Council on Criminal Justice reviewed long-term national data showing major declines in reported crime and victimization since the early 1990s, a pandemic-era spike in homicide and some violent crime, and a recent drop back toward pre-pandemic levels. He also highlighted a sharp decline in juvenile arrests and incarceration, a substantial reduction in racial disparities in imprisonment, and noted that much of the disparity reduction appears tied to changes in arrest patterns. James McMahon of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs then presented Washington’s 2024 crime report, saying total crime fell 8.4% from 2023, with decreases in violent crime, property crime, murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, hate crimes, and vehicle theft, while crimes against society rose. He emphasized that domestic violence makes up about half of crimes against persons, that Washington remains above its 2019 levels in several categories, and that underreporting affects the data. Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments Justice Center added that Washington remains one of the states still above 2019 violent-crime levels, with homicide and juvenile victimization especially concerning, and noted wide variation in juvenile arrests and violent-crime trends across cities and counties. Jeff Asher of the Real Time Crime Index said his near-real-time data through September 2025 suggests continued national and Washington declines in murder, violent crime, and property crime, with Washington’s murder trend likely continuing downward into 2025. The second half of the work session shifted to policing methods and clearance rates. Richard Hahn of the Niskanen Center argued that disorder and neighborhood conditions affect public safety perceptions, that environmental design and street lighting can reduce crime, and that police agencies need better deployment, investigative capacity, and clearance rates, especially amid staffing shortages. Mark Kropanski of Arnold Ventures summarized research finding that police staffing matters, hotspots and problem-oriented policing reduce crime, and better investigations increase deterrence and trust; he stressed that homicide clearance rates remain only around 60% in Washington and that property-crime clearance is much lower. Marshall Clement returned to focus on Washington’s solve rates, saying only 44% of violent crimes reported to police are solved, with 62% of homicides, 51% of aggravated assaults, 25% of rapes, and 31% of robberies cleared in 2024, and that large numbers of serious crimes remain unsolved over a three-year period. He urged state leaders to set goals, improve data collection, strengthen investigative resources, and support victims and witnesses. No votes or formal actions were taken; the session was informational and included extensive member questions about juvenile crime, domestic violence, underreporting, detective staffing, and how to improve clearance rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also was the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance on Crime, a general crime victim coalition.
• the past 5 years many of these crimes the past 5 years many of these crimes are<00:11:11.600>
• crime crime um<00:20:52.440> the<00:20:53.039> uh<00:20:53.559> the<00:20:53.799
• actually do the crime but they the crime actually do the crime but they the crime so<01:26:21.239
• by studies not to be a deterrent on crime.

Keywords: 1183, house