Transcript Highlights:

• Be clear, pay-to-play is a felony today.
• Anyone who is committing a felony, tell me, and I will report it to the law enforcement and to the FPPC
• do 1,500 and I would have to say we we get $5,900 in contributions $5,900 couldn't buy me to get a felony

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a serious felony. It's not a violent felony.
• But if you're referencing a situation of someone who's been convicted of a felony that warrants deportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To protect the chain of custody of voted ballots, this bill will also make it a felony to violate existing
• state... ...of voted ballots, this bill will also make it a felony to violate existing state law and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and accepted both Elections Committee amendments and additional committee amendments. The bill was presented as a response to alleged threats to California elections, including expanding existing protections against armed personnel at polling places to military personnel, strengthening penalties and civil remedies related to interference with election administration, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and restricting access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the measure was needed to protect voters from intimidation and election interference, especially in light of recent ballot seizures and broader concerns about federal and local law enforcement actions. Supporters also included the League of Women Voters of California and Common Cause of California. Opposition came from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA, who argued the bill was vague, could interfere with lawful law enforcement investigations, and created civil and criminal exposure for officers acting under court orders or in election-related probes. They also raised concerns about conflicts with federal election oversight and the role of local officials in securing polling places. In closing, the author said investigations could still occur but ballots must remain with the registrar to preserve chain of custody. The committee motioned SB 73 do pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 7-1, with Assembly Member Lackey voting no and Assembly Member Alonis not voting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Cothran was charged with felony
• Cothran was charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office on September 11 and resigned from

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County. The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Class 5 felony presumptive sentence is 1.5 years in prison, the Class 4 felony is two and a half

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee considered a series of bills, with the Rules attorney flagging constitutional or preemption concerns on several measures. HB 2060 would prohibit public educational institutions and universities from encouraging or facilitating abortions; the attorney noted Prop. 139’s new abortion-rights language could create a state constitutional issue, but the committee still recommended the bill 5-3. HB 2085 would ban gender transition procedures and also restrict referrals; the attorney said the procedure ban is supported by recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent, but the referral restriction raises possible First Amendment issues in light of a Ninth Circuit case, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2133 would impose age and consent verification requirements on commercial entities publishing sexual material online; the attorney warned it may be preempted by federal Section 230 law, but the committee recommended it 5-3. HB 2086, which would bar governmental entities from requiring masks or vaccinations, was flagged for Supremacy Clause and intergovernmental immunity concerns because it included the federal government, but was recommended 5-3 after the sponsor indicated an amendment was coming. HB 2279, dealing with liability limits for Grand Canyon river outfitters, raised anti-abrogation concerns because it would eliminate ordinary negligence claims; the sponsor said he would offer a floor amendment, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2364 would add criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs; the attorney said it likely conflicts with the new abortion-rights protections in Prop. 139, though the legal landscape is unsettled, and the committee recommended it 5-3. The committee then took a mass motion covering many additional bills, resolutions, and memorials. The Rules attorney said the listed measures were generally constitutional and in proper form, with one update on HCR 2003, which would place a measure before voters affecting school sports participation and facilities use based on biological sex. The attorney said the issue is actively being litigated nationally and that a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision in similar Idaho and West Virginia cases could affect the measure’s legal status. The mass motion was approved unanimously, 8-0. Throughout the meeting, members from the majority voted aye and minority members generally voted nay on the individual abortion-, gender-, and speech-related bills, often citing constitutional objections tied to Prop. 139, the First Amendment, or federal preemption. The meeting adjourned after the unanimous approval of the mass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disability, APD, provides care for those who have developmental disabilities who have been convicted of a felony
• DDDP program, persons are securely housed and provided training to return to the court to face their felony

Transcript Highlights:

• actor, you know, who did the underlying behavior, they could potentially still bring a third-degree felony
• Is this bill specific to child pornography, or are there a multitude of felonies that it could apply

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered four bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 373, by Rep. Duggins, tolls the statute of limitations for the offense of knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse until law enforcement or another outside agency learns of the violation. Members raised concerns about fairness if the underlying abuse is time-barred while the reporter still faces prosecution, and the sponsor said he would discuss possible changes with his state attorney, but the bill was not amended and passed 13-0. HB 359, by Rep. Anderson, extends the deadline for forensic examination of seized computers and electronic devices from 45 days to 365 days. Supporters from the Florida Prosecutors Association and state attorneys said modern devices are difficult and time-consuming to unlock and analyze, creating repeated requests to extend search deadlines and slowing investigations in cases involving child exploitation, homicide, and other crimes. The bill passed 13-0. HB 703, by Rep. Gentry, preserves a public records exemption for information generated by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigation of a claim of innocence, with supporters saying disclosure could reveal sensitive information such as alternate suspects, witnesses, or evidence and compromise the review. It passed 12-0. HB 4001, by Rep. Tant, caps inmate health care compensation in Jefferson County at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate to encourage preexisting provider contracts and prevent overbilling; it also passed 13-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting ready to turn that into a felony.
• lot specifically in that manner and also raises the penalties from Mr, Maners or civil citation to felony

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"
• Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"
• <00:26:36.159> Um,<00:26:36.640> so ever been convicted of a felony?
• Um, so ever been convicted of a felony?
• Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• time served for capital and the most time served for capital and the most violent<03:38:40.319> felony
• <03:38:42.080> Second,<03:38:42.399> the violent felony convictions.
• Second, the violent felony convictions.
• ,<03:38:52.720> or<03:38:52.880> to class A, or class B felonies, or to class A, or
• class B felonies, or to violent<03:38:53.359> offenders<03:38:53.760> who<03:38:53.920

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
• And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
• And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
• I can watch it online. >> [clears throat] But I do notice this creates felony penalties.
• I believe that's the type of penalty we've had, these felonies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
• athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
• athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
• If I could follow up. physical strength, speed or endurance is physical strength, speed or endurance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
• the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
• the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
• :13.040> what<01:09:13.199> would<01:09:13.400> be<01:09:13.600> most felony
• level is what would be most felony level is what would be most appropriate<01:09:14.440> to<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 21.760> robbery, uh felony robbery, uh felony robbery, felony<00:49:23.839> forgery.
• felony forgery. felony forgery.
• , misdemeanor and others felony, misdemeanor and others felony, >> right?
• care about felonies. care about felonies.
• felony robbery. felony robbery. >> One<00:57:19.920> follow.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Backus, would a fine higher than the maximum under the law convert it to a felony, or is that only a
• You know, it would be the penalty beyond, you know, beyond a year in prison would be the felony.
• Establishing the grooming of children and students as a felony can prevent this abuse from escalating
• and<01:13:36.040> students<01:13:36.640> as<01:13:36.800> a<01:13:36.840> felony
• established in 13 states as a felony. established in 13 states as a felony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They go in, they get convicted of a felony, and they're out on the street.
• They go in, they they get<01:30:23.840> convicted<01:30:24.360> of<01:30:24.480> felony
• ><01:30:24.920> and<01:30:25.040> they're<01:30:25.160> out get convicted of felony
• and they're out get convicted of felony and they're out on<01:30:25.440> the<01:30:25.520>
• probably would have been a felony probably would have been a felony terroristic<01:33:29.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 87, Felony Interference with a Police Officer Amendments.
• Senate File 87, Felony Interference with a Police Officer Amendments.
• Senate File 87, Felony Interference with a Police Officer Amendments.
• 41:15.440> with<01:41:15.600> the file 87 felony interference with the file 87 felony interference
• 54:15.520> with<01:54:15.679> a file 87 felony interference with a file 87 felony interference

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're committing a felony. Don't do it again.'
• You're committing a felony. letter. You're committing a felony.
• When they see felony activity taking place, they have a duty and responsibility to act.
• So when<00:41:04.160> they<00:41:04.319> see<00:41:04.880> felony<00:41:05.359><
• c> activity<00:41:05.839> taking when they see felony activity taking when they see felony

Bills: SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In our other language, that actually says a felony.
• <00:21:10.840> a other language, that actually says a other language, that actually says a felony
• 00:21:12.520> to<00:21:12.600> need<00:21:12.720> to<00:21:12.840> get felony
• So, we're going to need to get felony.
• <00:58:38.920> Uh bring make that a felony charge. Uh bring make that a felony charge.

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to see a bunch of college kids get locked up and have a felony on their record when right
• And I think from a practicality standpoint. ...and charging them with a felony when what you're really
• So I don't think we need to elevate this from a misdemeanor to a felony.
• photographed or fingerprinted in connection with being taken into custody for the commission of either a felony
• photographed and fingerprinted in connection with being taken into custody for the commission of a felony-grade

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.