Video & Transcript : 'violent crime exclusions' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2026 at 05:50 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- lab with DPS you know we've made investments and "...case processing at the crime lab with DPS.
- And you indicated that crime was going down—do we know how much?
- But we can show, based on reporting, based on the data that we have, that violent crime is down, property
- crime is down.
- New Mexico crime, and it shows the trend over the last few years.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- crimes.
- </c><01:10:49.679><c> crimes.
- </c><01:10:51.120><c> Seems</c> burglary, or violent crimes. Seems burglary, or violent crimes.
- </c><01:13:28.960><c> crimes</c> actually violent crimes actually violent crimes >> would<01:13
- > legal</c> There is no crime no crime that is legal There is no crime no crime that is legal when<03
Committee:
House Housing
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (10/23/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So if the classification is C3 or classification three... crimes that are identified in here, crimes
- Uh, my which are more serious crimes.
- estimate of how many of those 1,982 are serving sentences under those crimes?
- are serving sentences under those are serving sentences under those crimes? crimes? crimes?
- </c> >> definitely give you a crime breakdown.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Summary:
The public hearing was on an SP 15 replace-all, non-germane amendment to Senate Bill 15, a proposal to require hard labor for certain serious offenses in the New Hampshire prison system. Representative Jennifer Rhodess, the co-sponsor, said the bill is intended to make incarcerated people productive, help reduce costs, and serve as a deterrent; she also noted a two-year effective date for implementation and said anyone who refuses hard labor would receive a 50% sentence increase. She framed the work as ordinary labor already done by many people in the state and said the committee would later hear related testimony and possible amendments.
Committee members questioned how the proposal would work in practice, especially for people already incarcerated, the difference between current prison work and the bill’s “hard labor,” and the impact on prison security and staffing. Rhodess said the bill only applies going forward, not retroactively, and that the Department of Corrections could better address operational details. Members also discussed the terminology, noting that “capital murder” is not a current New Hampshire charge and that the relevant offense is first-degree murder with mandatory life without parole.
Department of Corrections officials Jane Graham and Nicholas Duffy testified in a neutral position but raised significant implementation concerns. They said the department would need more resources, vehicles, security equipment, and possibly armed supervision for higher-risk crews, and noted a 47% corrections officer vacancy rate. Duffy described current work programs inside prisons and in the community, including correctional industries, kitchen and education jobs, transitional work crews, and community service projects such as road work and landscaping. He explained that current community crews are limited by custody level, court approval, staffing, and safety, and said C1 and C2 inmates are already in transitional or work-release settings, while C3 and higher inmates would pose greater risks if taken outside the walls. No vote was taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- People are recognizing that we have high taxes and high crime.
- funds, and establish due process protections for claimants whose identity was stolen as part of the crime
- According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, FinCEN, in 2021, banks experienced $212 billion
- Cyberbullying, violent and graphic content.
- The United States is not a bystander to these war crimes. It's an active participant.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Dec 9th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, somebody can be a victim of a crime and the next day that person is released on a conditional
- protections for domestic violence, which it definitely should be, but now we need to extend that to other crimes
- This just increases the penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement officers and protected
- something that we're trying to get across the finish line here this just increases the penalties for for violent
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on domestic security and public safety priorities from Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Rebel. Sheriff Harrison outlined Florida Sheriffs Association priorities, including reclassifying xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with a veterinary-use exemption, expanding enforcement of pretrial release violations beyond domestic violence cases, providing tuition-waiver benefits for sheriff’s office personnel, advancing the Jason Rainer Act to increase penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement, extending sex-offender residency restrictions, improving access to mental-health-related databases, and continuing support for fusion centers and Florida model jail standards. Members asked questions about xylazine’s veterinary use, canine detection, and public records burdens on small agencies; no votes were taken on these items.
Chief Rebel focused on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s role in disaster response, officer training, and wellness. He described the association’s coordination through the state EOC and regional deployments during hurricanes, then emphasized officer suicide and the need for statewide wellness resources, peer support, and accessible behavioral health care for first responders. He also referenced prior PTSD benefits legislation and urged continued support for the PCIS program and other wellness initiatives. Committee members discussed related resources such as dispatcher support, the Restore program at UCF, hyperbaric chamber treatment for PTSD, and canine support organizations.
On domestic security funding, Rebel said FPCA does not have a specific bill package but wants to preserve the Domestic Security Oversight Council and regional task forces, protect limited SHISGAP funding for new projects, and shift ongoing successful programs to state funding. He also supported fixing the long-gun carry loophole, continuing the Jason Rainer Act effort, allowing ethical law-enforcement use of AI with human review, addressing monetization of public records and body-camera footage, and maintaining the ability to investigate anonymous complaints. The committee adjourned after discussion; no formal action or votes were recorded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He's helping fight crime in Orange County; he's working with Todd Spitzer in the DA's office.
- and economic struggles during the pandemic, they also experienced a sharp rise in bias-motivated crimes
- , establishing a pilot grant program for California District Attorney's Offices to prosecute hate crimes
- , notably targeting the AAPI communities. motivated crimes, notably targeting the AAPI communities.
- The Valley's history is also one of resilience in the face of exclusion.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded to a ceremonial floor session honoring departing members. After the roll was called and a quorum established, the body moved through tributes to members leaving the Assembly, with remarks focused on their service, district priorities, and personal relationships built across party lines. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided, though the Majority Leader gave notice to remove SB 259 from the inactive file and the chamber suspended Rule 118A to allow guests on the floor and at members’ desks.
Members were recognized in turn, with colleagues praising Stan Ellis for his science-based approach and work on water issues; Damon Connolly for environmental, housing, labor, and transportation work; Jackie Irwin for technology, cybersecurity, gun violence prevention, and implementation tracking; Jasmine Baines for her medical background, rural health advocacy, and work on fentanyl and emergency response; Esmeralda Soria for Central Valley agriculture, housing, water, and hospital recovery efforts; Avelino Valencia for tribal issues, cryptocurrency, and cultural advocacy; Diane Dixon for bipartisan work on public safety, e-bike safety, foster youth, and coastal protection; and Tom Lackey for his public safety record, CHP background, and reputation for honesty and bipartisanship.
In their own remarks, the departing members reflected on the honor of service, thanked staff and family, and emphasized relationships, constituent service, and the importance of continuing public service in new roles. Several noted upcoming transitions to the Senate or other offices, while others said they would continue serving their communities outside the Assembly. The tone throughout was celebratory and reflective, with repeated emphasis on collaboration, district advocacy, and the personal bonds formed during their time in the Legislature.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He couldn't make it up here; he's helping fight crime in Orange County.
- and economic struggles during the pandemic, they also experienced a sharp rise in bias-motivated crimes
- and economic struggles during the pandemic, they also experienced a sharp rise in bias-motivated crimes
- , notably targeting the AAPI communities. motivated crimes, notably targeting the AAPI communities.
- The Valley's history is also one of resilience in the face of exclusion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and increase support for Texas anti-gang programs around the state to effectively combat organized crime
- Senator, first and foremost, being an illegal alien in this country is a crime.
- It's a federal crime. The program is targeting primarily criminal illegal aliens.
- I understand those that commit a crime.
- The amendment requires that the changes apply exclusively to public institutions of higher education,
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote.
A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11.
The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0.
Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Senate POCI Caucus Announces 2025 Priorities - 02/03/25
Transcript Highlights:
- the lands of the United States, and it is unfair for them to be unnecessarily pigeonholed or made exclusive
- the lands of the United States, and it is unfair for them to be unnecessarily pigeonholed or made exclusive
- 10:30.640><c> made</c> unnecessarily um pigeon hold or made unnecessarily um pigeon hold or made exclusive
- 32.200><c> the</c><00:10:32.399><c> rights</c><00:10:32.920><c> that</c><00:10:33.079><c> we</c> exclusive
- from any of the rights that we exclusive from any of the rights that we all<00:10:34.160><c> uh</c><
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and commit crimes themselves.
- When we complain about these crimes, the SCJC does nothing.
- This bill introduces a crime that is not illegal right now and would establish it as a new crime.
- My doctor should not have had to choose between standard of care and committing a crime.
- I’m not committing crimes anymore to get my next drug. I'm not addicted.
Bills:
SB31 , SB33 , SB510 , SB871 , SB1868 , SB2024 , SB2166 , SB2309 , SB2880 , SJR27 , SJR39 , SJR40 , SB 31 , SB 33
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- crime.
- crime.
- </c><00:40:04.640><c> here</c> no way has been used in any crime here no way has been used in any crime
- </c> to incarcerate so many extremely violent to incarcerate so many extremely violent and<00:45:31.160
- That's the crime that is going up. That's the rising crime and the true problem.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition.
On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition.
The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns.
The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-AEN, WAM-JDC Informational Briefings 01-09-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> trafficking and white collar crime? trafficking and white collar crime? SIPTI. SIPTI. SIPTI.
- </c> we could have our own white collar crime we could have our own white collar crime division,<02:58
- </c> has identified that the Victims of Crime has identified that the Victims of Crime Act<03:01:04.200
- Um, I think most of them are dedicated to victims of violent crime or domestic violence and so forth.
- Um, I think most of them are dedicated to victims of violent crime or domestic violence and so forth.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:33:34.960><c> It</c> resolve crimes and these claims. It resolve crimes and these claims.
- It wasn't because I did a crime or because I did a crime or it was just that's where I ended up.
- It wasn't because I did a crime or because I did a crime or it was just that's where I ended up.
- It wasn't because I did a crime or because I did a crime or it was just that's where I ended up.
- It wasn't because I did a crime or because I did a crime or it was just that's where I ended up.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 34 Apr 2nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SJR39 , SJR47 , SB227 , SB1942 , SB1627 , SB625 , SB1716 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB504 , SB1209 , SB1448 , SB1597 , SB1679 , SB2182 , SB2112 , SB2170 , SB2084 , SB1496 , SB1595 , SB1655 , SB1876 , SB1621 , SB1944 , SB1266 , SB2072 , SB2104 , SB1769 , SB1827
Keywords:
property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly, constitutional amendment, voter ID, elections, Oklahoma, proof of identity, gross production tax, ad valorem tax, property exemption, Oklahoma Tax Commission, oil and gas production, regulatory impact, economic implications, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 34 Apr 2nd, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SJR39 , SJR47 , SB227 , SB1942 , SB1627 , SB625 , SB1716 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB504 , SB1209 , SB1448 , SB1597 , SB1679 , SB2182 , SB2112 , SB2170 , SB2084 , SB1496 , SB1595 , SB1655 , SB1876 , SB1621 , SB1944 , SB1266 , SB2072 , SB2104 , SB1769 , SB1827
Keywords:
property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly, constitutional amendment, voter ID, elections, Oklahoma, proof of identity, gross production tax, ad valorem tax, property exemption, Oklahoma Tax Commission, oil and gas production, regulatory impact, economic implications, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity
Summary:
The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with the day’s order of business, including an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several floor presentations and announcements. The chaplain delivered a Holy Week message centered on Easter, resurrection, and overcoming fear, followed by the Pledge and a series of recognitions for guests and birthdays.
Representative Rosecrants presented a citation recognizing April 2 as World Autism Day and Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, with members from the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma present in the gallery. The House also welcomed students from MacArthur Middle School, Leadership Guthrie, and the Tuttle High School football team, which was recognized for winning the 2025 Class 4A state championship. Additional announcements noted the Artemis mission’s progress, committee meeting schedules, and other personal and district updates from members.
No bills were debated or voted on in the portion provided. The only formal action taken at the end of the meeting was a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- It also creates the crime of impatient custodial sexual misconduct.
- </c><00:39:47.680><c> And</c> with our crimes against children.
- And with our crimes against children.
- crime of impatient custodial sexual<00:40:58.960><c> misconduct.
- Senator Bell, what sorts of things does the Crime Commission pay?
Bills:
SB169 , SB180 , SB203 , SB87 , SB195 , SB192 , SB169 , SB180 , SB203 , SB87 , SB195 , SB192 , HB132 , HB37 , HB13 , HB54 , HB126 , HB7 , SB30 , HB188 , HB189 , HB26 , HB264 , HB288 , HB248 , HB249 , HB227 , HB228 , HB132 , HB37 , HB13 , HB54 , HB126 , HB7 , SB30 , HB188 , HB189 , HB26 , HB264 , HB288 , HB248 , HB249 , HB227 , HB228
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is also a state crime.
- You have committed a crime. So let's be accurate. You have committed a crime.
- WELL, YOU HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME. YOU HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME. SO LET'S BE ACCURATE.
- YOU HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME.
- The issue is that people who commit violent acts of crime, with or without a gun, continue to go unpunished
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care.
The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies.
The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- These are students whose violent behaviors are statistically extreme.
- These are students whose violent behaviors are statistically extreme.
- It is heart-wrenching to be the principal of a school and have to deal with a violent child.
- It is heart-wrenching to be the principal of a school and have to deal with a violent child.
- So they're starting out in violent, uh, and guns are now an issue.
Committee:
House Common Education
Summary:
The committee held an interim study on how to educate and support students with severe violent or disruptive behavior while protecting classmates, teachers, and school staff. Members framed the issue as one involving students who have often experienced trauma and may be removed from class through suspension, expulsion, or juvenile placement, but who still need a meaningful path back to school. Several legislators shared personal experiences as former educators or administrators and emphasized that schools need clearer criteria for removal and return, along with stronger support for families and staff.
Dr. Michelle Butler, an alternative education director, testified that Oklahoma’s current alternative education system is not designed to serve students removed for major discipline issues because placement is generally voluntary and programs are built around students who need a different learning environment, not punitive removal. She argued for early intervention, stronger attendance enforcement, trauma screening, teacher training, and a regional or cooperative model that would combine credentialed educators, social workers, therapists, and family counselors. She also described existing programs such as Trace Academy, Rogers County Youth Services diversion programs, and the limitations of virtual-only models and current funding, saying the system lacks sufficient resources and staffing.
Representatives and senators asked about funding, staffing, credentials, and whether statutes should be changed to prevent alternative education dollars from going to programs that do not provide direct services. Other testimony came from Family and Children’s Services and Mid-Del Youth and Family Services, both of which described embedded school-based mental health, crisis response, intensive outpatient services, family engagement, and juvenile diversion programs. Witnesses stressed that wraparound services, school-community partnerships, and a bridge back to the home school are essential, and that many students and families need mandatory or strongly supported participation rather than purely voluntary help. The study concluded with members noting possible next steps, including expanding or supplementing alternative education, improving early intervention, and examining participation requirements and transition supports; no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- We could either have a regulated system that is focused exclusively on consumer protection, or we can
- Maybe it broadens the bill to other types of crimes... ...the bill to other types of crimes. Mr.
- , the type of crime, and if it's a habitual criminal.
- crime under UCMJ.
- So if that was an adjudicated crime, it would be a dishonorable discharge.
Summary:
The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government.
The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty - Wednesday, April 29
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this, and the purpose of that really is because we have changed some names of some of the existing crimes
- and added some...” “...change some names of some of the existing crimes and added some other crimes.
- change the jury instructions that tell the jury what they have to find in order to find that these crimes
- Is there a piece in here about DMH and people being housed who are violent sexual predators?
- Is there a piece here about DMH and people being housed who are violent sexual predators?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 126-0 vote, and then heard several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. Members also introduced numerous student groups, interns, and special guests visiting the chamber.
The chamber then took up conference committee business on House Bills 2637 and 3155, a large public safety/criminal justice package. Members discussed the bill’s juvenile justice provisions, including narrowing prosecutorial certification of juveniles to certain serious offenses, changes to age language, juvenile detention facility funding, outpatient mental health treatment, cyberstalking provisions, drone restrictions, prosecutorial salaries, and sex offender registry language. The House approved the motion to exceed the conference differences, adopted the conference committee report by 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and adopted the emergency clause for the drone-related sections by 125-15.
The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure dealing with mortgage modifications and sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after discussion of its protections for homeowners. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, was amended and passed 137-2-1. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees from $4 to $6 to support the state land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the increase was overdue and necessary to sustain the program. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, concerning wholesaler disclosures and land banks, was amended to remove a school property provision and add land bank authority, then passed 110-36. The House adjourned after announcements and was set to return the next day with several bills on the agenda.