Video & Transcript Research : 'prison guards'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Dec 15th, 2025
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Coast Guard bridge permit for.
- Coast Guard bridge permit for.
- Coast Guard. And so that will help And provided that information to the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Coast Guard.
- Coast Guard was not known.
Summary:
The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator.
A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable.
The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028.
During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- He went to prison, and we trusted the system.
- I've been out of prison now 19 years and served three years.
- I couldn't get counseling in prison because they don't offer it.
- And so you don't wait till they get out of prison.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending.
The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The security guard companies are required to maintain liability insurance coverage for their guards,
- Many guard companies are circumventing state and federal law by classifying their guards as contractors
- Our Texas military forces, the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and the State Guard, stand ready
- And the Texas Army National Guard.
- The study warns that the Guards.
Bills:
SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023
Keywords:
transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Coast Guard assets were in place.
- Coast Guard assets were in place.
- So if they need the Coast Guard.
- an army national guard helicopter. an army national guard helicopter.
- Guard asset even though Coast Guard Guard asset even though Coast Guard assets<00:37:34.000>
Bills:
SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781
Keywords:
state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise
Summary:
The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary.
The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against.
Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veteran and Military Affairs REVISED: Links added Feb 5th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Veteran and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , whether the Air Guard or Army Guard in Oklahoma.
- He was a member of the National Guard after 40 years of service.
- By including pieces of National Guard and State Guard stuff together, and all this does is just take
- out the National Guard sections from a piece that should be all about the State Guard.
- This only pertains to the Guard.
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, veterans benefits, workplace poster, human resources, employment law, mental health resources, educational resources, HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits
WI
Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session
Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs and Senate Committee on Natural Resources Veterans and Military Affairs May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Wisconsin National Guard has undergone a comprehensive transformation of our SAPR program.
- The National Guard Bureau's October 24 staff assistance visit found that the Wisconsin National Guard
- I am Kelly Donner, the Wisconsin National Guard Principal Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
- Guard has is the training for our Army side of the National Guard.
- The majority of our members within the Wisconsin Guard are in that early age group.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Coast Guard enlistment. And whereas upon leaving the U.S.
- Coast Guard, Gregory Knight served for four years as a Burlington police officer and then seven years
- For three years he served as a Vermont Army National Guard officer.
- And in 2000, he began full-time active guard reserve duty.
- National Guard with conviction, vision,<00:04:00.720>
and <00:04:00.959>honor.
Summary:
The House met to take up a special action item: reading HCR 196, a concurrent resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General and Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General Gregory Knight for his service to Vermont and the nation. The resolution recounted his career in the Coast Guard, Burlington police, Vermont Air National Guard, and Vermont Army National Guard, including his deployment to Iraq, later promotion to major general, and his appointment as adjutant and inspector general in 2019. It also noted his military honors and leadership during his seven-year tenure, and directed the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Knight and the Vermont National Guard.
Several members offered remarks praising Knight’s leadership, humility, humor, and commitment to service. Speakers highlighted his role in strengthening the Vermont National Guard, building accountability and institutional capacity, and supporting needed change within the organization, including for women in uniform. One member recalled first meeting Knight during his campaign for adjutant general and described him as a strong, detail-oriented leader and collaborator.
The House also welcomed Knight, his family, and guests to the State House. A member announced that a reception would be held later in the Cedar Creek Room in his honor. No vote on the resolution was described in the transcript, and the House then recessed until later in the day, with instructions to return for the joint assembly with the Senate.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 23rd, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 464, Aguiar-Curie, Prison Sexual Assault. That is a two year bill.
- AB 1144, McKenna, prison employment holding committee.
- AB 701 Ortega solitary confinement study hold in AB 800 Ortega prison vending machines hold in AB 866
- AB 475 Wilson prison employment holding committee.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The security guard companies are required to maintain liability insurance coverage for their guards,
- Many guard companies are circumventing state and federal law by classifying their guards as contract
- There are no situations in which a security guard company can legally classify their security guard employees
- Many guard companies are illegally paying their guards with cash or misclassifying them as contract labor
- Our Texas Military forces, the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, the State Guard stand ready to
Bills:
SB 36
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- He says he is currently still serving in the Air National Guard.
- He is in the Kentucky National Guard.”
- He’s in the Kentucky National Guard, taking care of military children.
- <00:15:47.560>
all National Guard all National Guard all right<00:15:49.600>good <00 - As you know, my father is in the National Guard. He is a colonel."
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its third meeting of the 2025 session. After opening formalities, the committee took up House Bill 369, sponsored by Representative Hart and presented with Sean Butler of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association and Ashland Police Chief Todd Kelly. They explained the bill clarifies KRS 95.495 regarding vacation or annual leave for police chiefs and local agencies by providing guidance on how the 15 days of leave may be administered. Representative Blandon asked whether the issue was in statute or tied to the retirement system, and Representative Moore asked whether the bill could affect officers’ ability to take time off in emergencies; the sponsors said it would not and would instead allow local policy to address those situations.
The committee then voted on HB 369. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression, with all members voting yes. Representative Wesley requested permission to explain his vote after the roll call. Following the vote, the committee shifted to a Military Kids Day recognition segment, with members and guests introducing themselves and sharing their military service backgrounds and family connections to the armed forces.
The remainder of the meeting was largely ceremonial, featuring remarks from legislators, military families, and children describing their parents’ service in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, and related branches. The chair thanked the families for their sacrifices, noted activities planned for the day, and recognized the Adjutant General’s wife, Miss Lamberton. At the end of the meeting, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 10, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Wyoming National Guard referral amendments.
- Presently, the Wyoming National Guard Presently, the Wyoming National Guard sits<00:43:42.560>
- You see that the National Guard now.
- So uh Wyoming National Guard in order.
- Uh, don't discount the value of a member of the Guard talking to his friend who's not in the Guard.
Bills:
HB0032
Keywords:
English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/07/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- In June, Pepper and I had the privilege of being part of the Helping Paws honor guard during Melissa,
- For many, it unfortunately also becomes a pipeline to prison.
- 19.600>
to unfortunately also becomes a pipeline to unfortunately also becomes a pipeline to prison - . prison. prison.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Coast Guard boat captain. Good afternoon. I'm Representative Bobbie Harder.
- such as the 42% downward departure rate our judges are currently applying to sentences calling for a prison
- c><00:43:28.880>
a applying to sentences calling for a applying to sentences calling for a prison - prison prison commitment<00:43:31.839>
the <00:43:32.480>71% <00:43:33.480>of <00
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Jan 15th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Research shows that there's a disproportionate share of gifted individuals in prison.
- In fact, 20% of the prison population is thought to be gifted.
- In fact, 20% of the prison population is thought to be gifted.
- Just that proportionate share of prisoners are gifted.
- That lead them to prison.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have statutory obligations to send to DFA the amounts owed to counties for holding prisoners
- And we're regularly tasked with joining task forces such as the jail and prison integration task force
- in 2022, the PREA, the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
- We're regularly tasked with joining task forces such as the jail and prison integration task force in
- Our budget of corrections in prisons is increasing; we're increasing the budget of district attorneys
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Farewells - 05/18/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When Francis Scott Key woke up that morning as a prisoner of war in the Baltimore Harbor and he looked
- Keep faith, keep watch, take heart, take courage, guard mind, guard spirit, feed love, feed longing.
- Keep faith, keep watch, take heart, take courage, guard mind, guard spirit, feed love, feed longing.
- Keep faith, guard mind, take heart, guard spirit, take courage, keep watch, feed longing, feed love.
- Keep faith, guard mind, take heart, guard spirit, take courage, keep watch, feed longing, feed love.
Summary:
The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues.
Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country.
Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- unconstitutional to have individuals who are sentenced on a non-unanimous trial who are sitting in prison
- And you said you spent 37 years in prison. Thirty-seven years.
- And we would prefer for people like you, who could be potentially innocent, to sit and rot in prison
- And we did try him again, and he was found guilty, and he is currently in prison. Thank you, Ms.
- And we did try him again, and he was found guilty, and he is currently in prison. Thank you, Ms.
Bills:
HCR50, HB123, HB219, HB251, HB404, HB769, HB1065, SB58, SB81, SB92, SB97, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB207, SB396, SB410
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, data privacy, personal information, cybersecurity, confidentiality, monitoring violations
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and first considered SB 396, which would allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference. After adopting an amendment to clarify the in-person six-month review requirement and require OJJ staff to participate virtually as well, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 181, which creates a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations and allows related entities within a health system to operate under one charitable gaming license; after adopting the amendment, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next debated SB 81 and SB 97, companion measures dealing with waiver of jury trials in non-capital felony cases. Supporters, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, argued that requiring prosecutorial consent would align Louisiana with federal practice and many other states and would reduce abuse of jury-trial waivers. Opponents, including criminal defense lawyers, the ACLU, and Vote, argued the bills would shift power to the state, reduce defendants’ control over their mode of trial, and could worsen delays and pressure on jailed defendants. SB 81 and SB 97 both passed on divided roll-call votes, 7-3.
The committee also reported SB 207 favorably, extending the prescriptive period for certain public corruption offenses to 10 years after an elected official or public employee leaves office; SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system; SB 156, increasing the maximum penalty for negligent homicide, with a technical amendment; SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum for aggravated flight from an officer and dedicating fine proceeds to pursuit training/technology; SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board to the Louisiana Supreme Court; and SB 410, creating enhanced penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses. Later, HB 769, dealing with a holding period for certain domestic violence-related offenders, was reported favorably as amended after debate over its relationship to existing “Gwen’s Law” procedures, and HB 251, requiring notice to victims or families in resentencing matters, was also reported favorably as amended after concerns about post-conviction procedure and possible duplication of existing notice requirements. The committee additionally voluntarily deferred HB 404 and heard HCR 50, which calls for reporting on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and clarification of funding guidance.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- unconstitutional to have individuals who are sentenced on a non-unanimous trial who are sitting in prison
- And you said you spent 37 years in prison. Thirty-seven years.
- And we would prefer for people like you, who could be potentially innocent, to sit and rot in prison
- And we did try him again, and he was found guilty, and he is currently in prison. Thank you, Ms.
- And we did try him again, and he was found guilty, and he is currently in prison. Thank you, Ms.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote.
The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing.
Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (2-18-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a lot of, you know, in my district, uh, a lot of people went to prison.
- I have a lot of, you know, in my district, uh, a lot of people went to prison.
- You can apply to the governor and have your voting rights restored as soon as you're out of prison.
- <00:31:28.480>
You <00:31:28.640>know, soon as you're out of prison. - You know, soon as you're out of prison.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:05
Attendance Roll Call: 00:10
SB 70 Discussion: 00:58
SB 70 Vote: 04:36
SB 80 Discussion: 05:16
SB 80 Vote: 31:45
SB 127 Discussion: 32:30
SB 127 Vote: 39:38
SB 154 Discussion: 41:25
SB 154 Vote:
Adjournment: 47:14, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 70, which would modify the Public Pension Oversight Board by adding one House member and one Senate member, automatically placing the House and Senate chairs of state and local government on the board, adding the state treasurer, broadening who the Speaker and Senate President may appoint, and reducing the governor’s board appointments from two to one. After a brief procedural correction about a committee substitute, the bill was explained and then passed by a 9-0 favorable vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 80, a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions after they complete imprisonment, probation, and parole, while excluding certain offenses such as election fraud, violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children. The sponsor and Senator Herron argued that Kentucky’s current system is confusing and leaves the state as one of the few with lifetime disenfranchisement, while witnesses from the Sentencing Project, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, and an advocacy group for people with lived experience supported restoration but urged a simpler, broader, automatic approach without offense-based carveouts. Committee members raised questions about implementation, clerk guidance, and how the proposal interacts with expungement and gubernatorial pardons; one senator specifically asked whether serious offenders, including child rapists, would regain voting rights under a broader version, and the witness answered yes. The bill passed with a favorable expression by an 8-1 vote.
The transcript then began discussion of Senate Bill 127, also sponsored by Senator Hickden, but the exchange was cut off before the bill was fully explained or any vote was taken.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon July 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :37:15.680>
the <00:37:15.920>mail National Guard helped deliver the mail National Guard - , maybe not our Guard, but some National Guard in the state of California, was without authority, hence
- <00:58:34.240>
several for calling up National Guard several for calling up National Guard - We've we we've even new to the guard.
- I mean, guard and everybody's got to go.
Summary:
The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order.
A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13.
Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.