Video & Transcript : 'bench trial' :

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OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session May 14th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There be two trials, two juries. Is that correct? Thank you for the question.
  • I believe it's going to be one trial, is what I'm finding out.
  • Could you please expand on that final statement, one trial?
  • Could you please expand on that final statement, one trial? Thank you for the question. Yes.
  • I believe everything could be done in one trial and one county.
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and recognition of two student pages before taking up a long agenda of House joint resolutions and bills, mostly related to administrative rules and agency approvals. The chamber advanced and passed H.J.R. 1088, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1099, and 1100, which approved permanent rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, building code, health-related agencies, general government agencies, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and OMES. Several senators criticized the process for moving rule resolutions quickly and without committee vetting, while supporters said the calendar delays required direct consideration. The Senate also adopted conference committee reports and passed SB 206, SB 248, and HB 3021, with HB 3021 making small changes to graduation requirements, including science/math course language, Oklahoma history flexibility for some military families, and personal financial literacy counting toward math in some cases. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1370, which was described by its author as repealing an automatic state trigger that would replace any federal gasoline tax if the federal government suspended it. Supporters argued the bill would prevent Oklahoma drivers from paying more if the federal gas tax were repealed and framed it as tax relief; opponents argued it could reduce highway and bridge funding and create a budget hole. The Senate suspended several rules to bring the bill up, but rejected a motion to suspend the fiscal-impact rule for a proposed amendment. After debate, the chamber passed the measure 41-7 and then approved it as an emergency measure. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 893, a conference report dealing with foreign ownership near critical infrastructure and agricultural land. The bill would restrict certain foreign adversary ownership or leasing within 10 miles of critical infrastructure, add training zones and other protected areas, delay implementation until July 1, 2027, and create an enforcement process involving Attorney General review and whistleblower-style reporting. Senators raised concerns about enforcement, possible misuse, and profiling, while the author said the bill was aimed at national security and infrastructure protection. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. Later, the Senate received notice that the House was ready to convene in joint session, and the chamber briefly stood at ease before returning to continue its work.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Benton noted that increasing the penalty to a C felony means these individuals will have a jury trial
  • If it does go to a misdemeanor, it's still a jury trial.
  • It won't necessarily... >> It will depend on how many people actually demand a jury trial at that point
  • </c><00:52:15.440><c> It</c><00:52:15.680><c> won't</c><00:52:15.920><c> necessarily</c> jury trial.
  • It won't necessarily jury trial.
Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers. The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts. HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:43 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Trial Attorneys Association came to the Senate Judiciary, what is today Friday, on Wednesday, and
  • So, you know, this is not opposed by trial attorneys.
  • But the changes we're talking about to help doctors are all being made and led by Senator Deweig, trial
  • lawyer, me, trial lawyer, Linda.
  • By Senator Deweig, trial lawyer, me, trial lawyer, Linda, Senator Trujillo, lawyer.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (03/31/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have trial to determine if they're a victim. These are complaining witnesses.
  • I'll just wait till the day of the trial. I feel like that would be a good tactic to use.
  • Why tip my hand on what defenses I'm going to use until the day of the actual trial?
  • Why tip my hand on what defenses I'm going to use until the day of the actual trial?
  • Why tip my hand on what defenses I'm going to use until the day of the actual trial?
Committee: Senate Judiciary
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 12, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And if you put that bug on it and it's not legitimate, I think that could be very a very expensive trial
  • If a civil action is commenced for the damage and proceeds to trial, and the damaged enclosure is determined
  • damage<03:08:10.000><c> and</c><03:08:10.120><c> proceeds</c><03:08:10.560><c> to</c><03:08:10.600><c> trial
  • </c><03:08:11.440><c> and</c><03:08:11.560><c> the</c> damage and proceeds to trial and the damage and
  • proceeds to trial and the damaged<03:08:12.040><c> enclosure</c><03:08:12.560><c> is</c><03:08:12.720
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • for the murder of a awaiting trial for the murder of a 10-year-old<00:22:57.520><c> child.
  • None of that is likely to be introduced in court at trial.
  • </c><01:11:37.600><c> What</c> be introduced in court at trial.
  • What be introduced in court at trial.
  • </c> um either is not fit to proceed to trial um either is not fit to proceed to trial or<01:14:04.080
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is House Bill 1070 by Representative Brough, providing relative to the trial court case management
  • Members, this is House Bill 1070 by Representative Brough, providing relative to the trial court case
  • It seeks to have the trial court case manager, the administrator of the trial court case management information
  • And Amendment 2 prohibits the trial court from waiving, setting aside, or redirecting special costs provided
  • Article 887(F), and Amendment 2 prohibits the trial court from waiving, setting aside, or redirecting
Summary: The committee first took up HB 74, which would create a Louisiana Spectrum Alert for missing persons with autism spectrum disorder. Representative Eccles said the alert would be modeled on Amber and senior alerts and could be absorbed within existing resources. The committee heard emotional support testimony from a parent describing the dangers of elopement and drowning risks for autistic children, and several members voiced support. HB 74 was reported favorably. Members then considered HB 1033 and HB 1034 by Chairman Bacala. HB 1033 expands the statutory definition of critical infrastructure to include additional facilities such as airports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, mass transit, government facilities, military installations, and oil and gas exploration platforms. It drew mostly support from economic development and law enforcement groups, with one opposition card from the Sierra Club, and was reported favorably. HB 1034 authorizes parish presidents, mayors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and chief executive officers to establish temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with a warning before criminal penalties attach. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that the bill cannot be used in a manner inconsistent with state firearms preemption law, heard concerns from the ACLU about vagueness and possible overreach, and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 59, by Representative Marcel, would require East Baton Rouge Parish and its municipalities to fund the 19th Judicial District public defender’s office in a manner parallel to the district attorney funding structure. The bill drew support from the public defender, the district attorney, and the state public defender, but several members raised concerns that the language could create an unfunded mandate or litigation risk for local governments. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 59 favorably. HB 175, as amended, redirected $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds into a Veterans Service Grant Fund administered by a new board in the Department of Veterans Affairs; testimony emphasized support for veterans programs, treatment courts, homelessness services, and community organizations, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 568, which increases penalties for drug-free school zone violations involving open marijuana use and other drug activity. Supporters said the bill would give law enforcement and prosecutors a clearer tool to address visible drug use near schools and large events, while opponents warned it could over-criminalize marijuana and create proof problems. The committee reported HB 568 favorably. Finally, HB 525, which requires DPS&C to publish certain incarceration data online, was amended to remove parish jail census data after DPS&C said it would not post that portion; the department said it would publish the remaining data and codebook online. The committee then reported HB 525 favorably as amended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 17th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Youth in juvenile court do not have the right to a jury trial for offenses later... ...as they mature
  • Youth in juvenile court do not have the right to a jury trial for offenses listed in WIC 707B.
  • I believe in one case, there was a plea bargain struck; on the other one, it went to trial.
  • I just want to note that the 14-year-old offender did proceed to trial.
  • And if the defendant doesn't wait time, that appeal might not be resolved before the trial goes, and
Summary: The committee heard several public safety and privacy bills, with extensive testimony on each. AB 1872 by Assembly Member Ta would make repeat swatting a wobbler and require offenders to compensate victims for property damage. Supporters, including civil liberties, sheriff, and district attorney representatives, said swatting is a serious and growing threat to first responders, schools, and public officials. Opponents argued existing law already covers false emergency reports and warned the bill could worsen penalties for people with mental illness. The committee approved the bill on a do pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1727, also by Assembly Member Ta, would make it a misdemeanor to transfer or sell a person’s genetic data without consent. Supporters framed the bill as a needed privacy protection in light of advances in genetic technology and AI, citing examples such as HeLa cells and concerns about unauthorized DNA collection. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, said civil penalties already exist under current law and objected to creating a new carceral offense for nonviolent conduct. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The committee then took up AB 1782 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would lower the threshold for retaining certain offenders with mental health disorders in state hospital custody and broaden the conduct considered in dangerousness determinations. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent release case and would help prevent dangerous releases; opponents, including disability rights and public defender groups, said it would weaken due process and expand involuntary confinement. The chair recommended a no vote, and the bill remained on call after a split roll. AB 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, which removes the notarization requirement for trespass authorization letters, passed as amended despite opposition from homelessness advocates and public defenders who said it could increase arrests of unhoused people; supporters said it would reduce bureaucracy and help property owners and police respond to trespassing. The committee also heard AB 1968 by Assembly Member Gallagher, which would add conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses eligible for heightened juvenile court handling; supporters cited a foiled school attack in Tehama County, while opponents warned of overbroad punishment and racial disparities. The bill was discussed but not yet voted on in the portion provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 17th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Youth in juvenile court do not have the right to a jury trial for offenses later... ...as they mature
  • Youth in juvenile court do not have the right to a jury trial for offenses listed in WIC 707B.
  • I believe in one case, there was a plea bargain struck on the other one that went to trial.
  • I just want to note that the 14-year-old offender did proceed to trial.
  • And if the defendant doesn't wait time, that appeal might not be resolved before the trial goes, and
Committee: House Public Safety
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

December 2, 2025 - 08:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, I'm a 20-year trial lawyer, and I can tell you this is literally my job to calculate known and
  • the need for additional judges or the need to reduce the number of judges, both appellate judges and trial
  • At the trial court level, we look at weighted forecasted filings.
  • the court system, in partnership with the clerks of court, to more robust data, particularly for the trial
  • To that end, at the trial court level, we're working on the uniform case reporting initiative.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Health and Human Services Feb 3rd, 2025

House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • not have their seizures controlled and regain their quality of life, despite multiple medication trials
  • And then it comes down to getting into trial, Madam Chair, and trying the case and seeing what these
  • Into court on trial situations.
  • So that's where we would have to have our experts come in at the trial and testify.
  • But, you know, it's all part of the trial process as a trial attorney.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 17th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Courts Of Justice Mar 4th, 2026

Courts of Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Elliot Buckner, on behalf of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, in support of this bill.
  • Chairman, members of the committee, Elliot Buckner, on behalf of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
  • The most recent one was the agreement between the trial lawyers and the doctors in 2012.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) May 15th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • aside, whether due to a lack of resources or any number of reasons, isn't it the current law that the trial
  • Why not just have the trial?
  • Is there a court other than the trial court that names the special prosecutor in a case?
Bills: HB 11 , HB 12 , HB21 , HB26 , HB30 , HB33 , HB37 , HB45 , HB210 , HB303 , HB630 , HB879 , HB 1041 , HB 1188 , HB 1261 , HB1318 , HB1465 , HB1535 , HB1593 , HB1778 , HB2559 , HB2596 , HB2692 , HB2703 , HB2712 , HB2742 , HB2809 , HB2890 , HB3012 , HB3526 , HB5061 , HB5092 , HB5238 , HCR92 , SB203 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB644 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1073 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1250 , SB1310 , SB1359 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1705 , SB1782 , SB1861 , SB1897 , SB1944 , SB2023 , SB2043 , SB2082 , SB2133 , SB2215 , SB2309 , SB2497 , SB2532 , SB2549 , SB2566 , SB2617 , SB2639 , SB2696 , SB2717 , SB2747 , SB2751 , SB2790 , SB2797 , SB2799 , SB2841 , SB2850 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2919 , SB2928 , SB2994 , SB3051 , SJR34 , SB529 , SB541 , SB693 , SB963 , SB1968 , SB2308 , SB2544 , SB1173 , SB1646 , SB1734 , SB1833 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB3012 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB388 , HB879 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB30 , HB2712 , HB2692 , HB1633 , HB1318 , HB685 , HB630 , HB4753 , HB2742 , HB303 , HB198 , HB1535 , HB762 , HB148 , HB1520 , HB5061 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB 1041 , HB132 , HB 11 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , HB33 , HB 1188 , HB210 , HB 1022 , HB1458 , HB5560 , HB 1240 , HB1950 , HB2027 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HB1893 , HB3700 , HB4850 , HB4187 , HB1397 , HB4885 , HB4804 , HB3751 , HB3611 , HB2775 , HB2061 , HB2003 , HB1729 , HB 1242 , HB791 , HB2029 , HB647 , HB2522 , HB4738 , HB3033 , HB3594 , HB3474 , HB2563 , HB2802 , HCR90 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB128 , SB2043 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2799 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2617 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB1232 , SB2850 , SB2969 , SB2497 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB781 , HB34 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB581 , HB668 , HB677 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2960 , HB2358 , HB2894 , HB4384 , HB2663 , HB748 , HB793 , HB 1193 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB4739 , HB1584 , HB4344 , HB4238 , HB4219 , HB3806 , HB3805 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB3229 , HB3228 , HB1922 , HB1522 , HB431 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB754 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB2789 , HB3560 , HB4643 , HB 1237 , HCR98 , SB3070 , SB835 , SB524 , SB2233 , SB2683
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today we are going to do another field trip to the Leon County Circuit Courthouse, which is the trial
  • Today, what we're going to see is a trial court, again, where most cases start.
Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met briefly and took attendance before announcing that the meeting would be a field trip to the Leon County Circuit Courthouse. The chair explained that the visit would give members a look at the trial court, where most cases begin, following a prior visit to the Florida Supreme Court. She noted that the tour would be led by the chief judge of the Leon County Circuit Court and would likely include some question-and-answer time. Members were reminded that the judicial branch cannot comment on certain matters, so questions should be mindful of those limits. The chair also reviewed courthouse security rules, including passing through metal detectors and bringing no weapons or sharp objects. She joked that Rep. Albert could not bring sewing needles. Sean Burnfin from the Office of State Court Administration was present to escort the group through security. No bills were heard, no testimony was taken, and no votes or formal actions were recorded. The meeting was essentially an informational courthouse visit, and members were told they would not return to the original meeting room after the tour.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/29/2025)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Pre-trial detention has a host of other issues.
  • Pre-trial detention has a host of other issues.
  • Pre-trial detention has a host of other issues.
  • Pre-trial detention has a host of other issues.
  • Pre-trial detention has a host of other issues.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM-HRE Informational Briefing 01-17-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:31:39.039><c> and</c> with all of this um trials and with all of this um trials and tribulations
  • or not, clinical trials will take away from the cancer center.
  • </c><01:44:19.119><c> or</c> whether there are clinical trials or whether there are clinical trials or
  • In the absence of that, there will be no clinical trials.
  • In the absence of that, there will be no clinical trials.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • In her trial, where her killer received a 56-year sentence from a jury, I asked probably the dumbest
  • question I've ever asked in a trial, which is when I asked her mother and her... in the back judge raise
  • a joy uh to her entire family uh<00:05:10.479><c> in</c><00:05:10.639><c> her</c><00:05:10.919><c> trial
  • where her killer uh uh in her trial where her killer uh received<00:05:13.320><c> 56</c><00:05:14.039
  • </c> question I've ever asked in a trial question I've ever asked in a trial which<00:05:20.440><c> is
Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions. Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue. Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote. The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Republican Media Availability 4/7/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That decision endangers being able to have like Olympic trials or Olympic-level events in Minnesota if
  • 00:02:05.320><c> have</c><00:02:05.560><c> like</c><00:02:05.720><c> Olympic</c><00:02:06.120><c> trials
  • </c> being able to have like Olympic trials being able to have like Olympic trials or<00:02:06.640><c
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Nov 18th, 2025

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the fact is, these injunctions are handed out at the trial court level because the two worst things
  • the trial court judge can do is let somebody out of jail on DUI and have them go out and kill somebody
  • primary issue will be the neighbor situation that we see the appellate courts repeatedly telling the trial
  • He went through a trial for self-defense. It was granted self-defense.
Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 156. The committee first considered the confirmation of Matthew Walsh as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Walsh described his background in law enforcement, social work, and juvenile justice, and outlined DJJ priorities including recruitment and retention, staff wellness, collaboration with DCF and other agencies, aging facilities, and expanding educational and vocational opportunities for youth. Members asked about his social work training, lockout youth, bed space, recidivism, and the Florida Scholars Academy. The committee voted unanimously to favorably report his confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 704, a committee bill extending the public records exemption for conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information. Senator Martin explained that the exemption was originally created to protect active innocence reviews and should continue past its current sunset date. With no opposition or debate, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably as a committee bill. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 32, as amended, which creates an injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and adds it to the statewide injunction verification system and related enforcement provisions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to give judges a faster tool to protect victims who have reported serious violence to law enforcement, while supporters said it addresses cases where victims are harmed before a repeat-violence injunction can be granted. Eric Friday of Florida Carry opposed the bill, warning it could be misused against self-defense situations and create problems in cases already covered by existing injunction laws. After debate, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 210, which extends public records protections to petitions for injunctions for protection against serious violence by a known person, including dismissed petitions and identifying information before service. There was no opposition, and the committee voted unanimously to report SB 210 favorably before adjourning.