Video & Transcript : 'criminal conduct' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- We are now on a hearing on our consideration of H. 5111, an act prohibiting anti-competitive conduct
- We know that Massachusetts can and should be a leader in anti-criminalization efforts.
- At the same time, we're seeing a rise in criminalization of homelessness.
- Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Chapter 272, Section 22 of the Criminal Code criminalizes a parent who conceals the death of a child
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlining hearing rules, testimony limits, and written-testimony procedures. The first bill discussed was H. 4876, a proposal to strengthen supports for survivors of abuse. Representative Carol Faiola testified on behalf of a constituent who described how a lifetime restraining order was effectively undermined after a family member’s death, arguing the bill should limit abusers’ legal standing after death, improve survivor notification and privacy protections, expand coercive-control definitions, and create education and resource programs.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 5111, which would strengthen the Massachusetts Antitrust Act. Representative Dave Rogers and Attorney General’s Office antitrust chief Anthony Mariano said the bill would give the state more tools to pursue anti-competitive conduct, including conduct with multi-state effects, while allowing enforcement even when federal authorities are also involved. They said it would increase penalties, clarify that invitations to conspire are violations, protect labor markets, remove limits affecting some housing transactions, and extend the statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for a related “universal 1983” bill, S. 2976/H. 2976, creating a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal, state, or local officers acting under color of law; supporters said it would fill gaps in remedies against federal officers while preserving qualified immunity.
Testimony also supported H. 4783, a bill affirming the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless said the measure would push back against growing criminalization of homelessness, especially after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and local encampment bans, and would protect the use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. On H. 4826, condo owners and advocates said Chapter 183A is outdated and leaves owners with too little say and too few remedies against mismanagement, citing problems such as unsafe water, major assessments, and lack of meaningful dispute resolution. The committee also heard strong support for H. 5116, renaming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse, with testimony from family members, legislators, attorneys, and community leaders describing Judge Harris’s mentorship, community service, and commitment to second chances.
Later testimony covered S. 2975, a bill to deter ICE courthouse arrests and protect access to justice; CPCS, law students, and defense advocates said courthouse arrests chill participation by defendants, witnesses, and victims and disrupt pending cases. The committee also heard support for H. 5244, repealing an archaic law criminalizing concealment of a child’s death, with advocates arguing it has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed. The hearing concluded with additional testimony in favor of S. 2976 and more support for the Judge Harris courthouse renaming, after which the chairs closed the hearing and reminded the public how to submit written testimony.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There's even a code of conduct that's being released at this time, which, to me...
- I heard the court of criminal, or the court of...
- force or conduct by sector.
- This does not affect criminal investigation or accusations of criminal misconduct, or any of the associated
- case and a judge presiding over that criminal case.
Bills:
SB 15
Keywords:
law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- conduct.
- conduct.
- conduct.
- conduct.
- For criminal conduct, most people probably understand that you're not guilty until you're actually adjudicated
Summary:
The committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 24 and June 25, 2026 minutes, and then heard several bills and a joint resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, Senator Hoffer explained the measure as a technical correction to prior rental-car and peer-to-peer car-sharing law that would clarify when loss-of-use damages may be recovered while preserving recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, saying it resolved ambiguity and restored limited common-law recovery, while Allstate and Toro opposed it, arguing the bill could reintroduce unfair and unpredictable fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies. No vote was taken in the transcript, and Senator Townsend said he still had questions about how the bill would operate.
The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change that would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Representative Postles presented it as a simple, noncontroversial change, though members noted Senator Buckson, the Senate sponsor, was not present at the time. No public comment was offered on that bill. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program and report recommendations; the Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1 on backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Senator Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly backflow retrofits until regulations are updated, and DHSS said the current regulations do not clearly define low hazard but that the bill’s list of exempted buildings would not raise immediate public health concerns. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, arguing the regulations were overbroad and costly, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that weakening backflow protections could threaten drinking water and aquifers. The committee then adjourned without any recorded votes on the substantive bills in the transcript.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not criminalize immigrants themselves.
- It enforces criminal conduct already prohibited under federal law.
- Idaho is not redefining immigration status or enforcing criminal conduct Congress has already defined
- It does not criminalize immigrants themselves.
- ... ...criminalized, they are already criminalized by the federal law.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Rules Committee first took up H.C.R. 23, a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose congressional term limits. The sponsor and U.S. Term Limits representative argued that Congress is broken, that term limits are broadly popular, and that an Article V call is a safe and historically effective way for states to pressure Congress. Opponents warned that a convention could become a “runaway” process with no enforceable limits on delegates or topics, and several said the ballot box, not a constitutional convention, is the proper way to address career politicians. Members questioned both sides about delegate selection, the role of Congress, the Articles of Confederation, and whether the process could be limited to term limits alone.
After testimony, the committee debated the resolution. Supporters said the states need to use the constitutional tool the founders provided because Congress will not term-limit itself, while opponents said the uncertainty and constitutional risk were too great. A substitute motion to hold H.C.R. 23 in committee failed on an 8-7 roll call vote, and the committee then took a break before moving to the next bill.
The committee then heard House Bill 764, which would make it a state offense for organizations or their officers/agents to knowingly or with reckless disregard transport, harbor, or otherwise facilitate unlawful immigration, while clarifying that it would not criminalize immigrants themselves or ordinary charitable, worship, or legal services. The sponsor said the bill mirrors existing federal law and is intended to help enforce immigration laws and prevent NGO-facilitated trafficking and fraud. Supporters framed it as a state sovereignty and public-safety measure, while nonprofit and food-bank representatives testified in opposition, saying the bill could chill charitable work, expose volunteers and organizations to criminal liability, and force nonprofits into immigration-enforcement roles they are not equipped to perform. The testimony on H.B. 764 was still ongoing at the end of the transcript.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been the criminal justice or for 30 years, starting at the Florida Department of Corrections and
- So the criminal penalties for harm materials harmful to minors remains consistent with current law.
- justice because it was changing the definition in a 47 which has criminal penalties.
- Usually we're expanding criminal penalties.
- Could that be considered misleading conduct in unintentionally criminalized under the language of the
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Tab 9, Senator Gruters, CS for SB 1140 on criminal offender substance abuse pilot program.
- As you aware, state attorneys use criminal sentencing points on the criminal punishment code score sheet
- minimum criminal sentence.
- It provides an exemption for law enforcement when conducting a criminal investigation.
- It provides an exemption for law enforcement when conducting a criminal investigation.
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals.
Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups.
The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The date is April 29, 2026, and this is a hearing of the Criminal Justice Committee. Mr.
- What this bill would require, essentially, is law enforcement would run a criminal history and a ...criminal
- It's just adding five articles from the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- , harassment, obstruction, or conduct that materially interferes with the orderly conduct of a scheduled
- See you next week in Criminal Justice. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card.
The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And we certainly don't want to arm any criminal cases where this information would be relevant.
- — ...criminal cases, and y'all have heard a lot of testimony about the civil side.
- Now, whether I'm criminally liable or civilly liable is completely separate.
- Body cams are for criminal.
- Conduct allegations.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 14, which would create a confidential department file for law enforcement officers and jailers and limit public access to records involving unsubstantiated misconduct, while preserving access for hiring agencies, TCOLE, and certain criminal justice uses. TCOLE’s Gretchen Grigsby explained the current rollout of law enforcement recordkeeping reforms, including the distinction between the public personnel file and the confidential G-file, and answered questions about when TCOLE would request files during investigations. Senator Perry and other members focused on how the bill would interact with existing personnel-file rules, public transparency, and criminal discovery obligations.
Public testimony was largely opposed. Critics argued the bill was drafted too broadly, could sweep in records beyond misconduct files, and would reduce transparency for the public, journalists, oversight bodies, and families seeking answers in cases such as Uvalde and jail deaths in Tarrant County. Several witnesses said the bill could allow small or single-officer agencies, including elected constables, to shield their own records, and some warned it could chill reporting and oversight. Supporters, including law enforcement representatives, said the bill would protect officers from false or unsubstantiated allegations, align agencies without civil-service protections with those that already have G-files, and preserve confidentiality for records that should not be public. Dallas County prosecutors and Harris County deputies supported the general policy but asked for clarifying amendments, especially to separate language they said could affect the Michael Morton Act and to preserve existing protections through in-camera review or protective orders.
Committee members spent significant time questioning witnesses about how substantiated versus unsubstantiated allegations would be handled, whether body camera footage and case files would remain public, and how the bill would affect discovery in criminal cases. After hearing all registered witnesses, the chair closed public testimony. Senate Bill 14 was left pending, and the committee recessed.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Point two, the criminal charges were dismissed.
- Suitability, once again, is not dependent upon a criminal conviction.
- The statute does not limit suitability to on-duty or on-premise conduct.
- regardless of the ultimate criminal disposition.
- Once again, the issue before the board is suitability and not criminal guilt.
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, and first approved the minutes from its December 18, 2025 meeting. Staff then reported strong December gaming revenues across riverboats, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports, with several categories showing month-over-month and year-over-year increases. Board members noted the overall growth in the industry and did not raise questions on the revenue report.
The board next approved a temporary certificate of compliance extension for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel. Officials said most life-safety deficiencies from the annual inspection had been corrected, and the remaining issue involved the emergency generator, which had recently been repaired and tested successfully, though a final verification inspection was still pending. The temporary certificate was extended through February 28, 2026.
The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises for late submission of required annual forms and fees. In the final agenda item, the board heard an appeal from Thomas Rasko challenging the revocation of his non-key gaming employee permit. Rasko acknowledged the underlying violation and asked for a shorter penalty, while the Division argued his conduct during an arrest showed he lacked the suitability required for gaming participation. The board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking his permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry, and then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> prior investigations into his conduct. prior investigations into his conduct.
- </c> surveillance conducted by the Biden DOJ. surveillance conducted by the Biden DOJ.
- And whereas such conduct by And whereas such conduct by Representative<03:56:55.600><c> Corey</c><03:
- ><c> on</c><04:00:10.239><c> our</c> dangerous, violent criminals on our dangerous, violent criminals
- </c> criminal cases at some point or another. criminal cases at some point or another.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- activity conducted outside of a state-regulated medical framework.
- A mandatory sentence tied purely to geography criminalizes place, not conduct.
- A mandatory sentence tied purely to geography criminalizes place, not conduct.
- homelessness, and then the DAs are dealing with that new criminal charge.
- We have conducted highway interdiction operations along Highway 90.
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.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- “Criminal History and Background Check Requirements, Section 1, Paragraph B.”
- This is under Section 9, Criminal History and Background Check.”
- Criminal history and background check is…” “...there criminal history and background check is 01, yes
- We would not be able to conduct background checks.
- Some of them can be from a criminal element for sure.
Summary:
The Health and Welfare Committee met to consider several Idaho Department of Health and Welfare rule dockets tied to licensing and certification. The first docket rewrote and consolidated rules for developmental disabilities agencies and residential habilitation agencies, with the department saying the changes streamline overlapping requirements and remove duplicative language. A member asked about physical restraint provisions, and staff explained the definition was carried over from the residential habilitation chapter and that restraint remains limited and subject to written consent and plan requirements. The committee approved the docket unanimously.
The committee then took up the residential assisted living facilities rewrite. Department staff said the revision reorganizes application, resident activity, admission termination, and medical review provisions, removes redundant language, and aligns fire safety references with the International Fire Code. Members focused heavily on criminal history and background check language, especially whether unlicensed employees could work before clearance and whether the proposed wording weakened supervision requirements. Staff said the change was not substantive and that employees awaiting clearance must still be supervised and not have one-to-one contact with residents; they also clarified that memory care units are covered by these rules. After questions about the application process and business registration, the member who had proposed striking a subsection withdrew the motion, and the committee approved the docket in full.
A third docket repealed the residential habilitation agencies chapter because its substance had been recodified in the earlier consolidated chapter; the committee approved that repeal as well. Finally, Representative Redman presented RS 33050, which would update Idaho’s midwifery statute to reflect modern practice and allow licensed midwives to administer medications within their training and scope. He described it as a modernization rather than a scope expansion, and the committee voted to introduce the RS. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/19/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> immunity for general criminal immunity for general criminal provisions,<00:22:18.400><c> which</
- </c> criminal liability for certain conduct criminal liability for certain conduct if<00:27:54.320><c
- based on negligent conduct, but not gross negligent or intentional conduct.
- </c> Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
- </c> speed that criminals can abuse systems. speed that criminals can abuse systems.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And just to summarize how we're going to conduct our hearing today, on each bill we'll take up to two
- And just to summarize how we're going to conduct our hearing today: on each bill, we'll take up to two
- Like, get out of criminal and get into care.
- Ignacio Hernandez, on behalf of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
- That is fundamental in court to our criminal justice system.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to public safety, juvenile justice, mental health, and criminal procedure. SB 1157 by Senator Archuleta would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile placements in the probation setting, with Judicial Council rules on issues such as insurance, staffing, background checks, notice, and zoning. Supporters said the bill would add needed safeguards for youth still serving custodial terms, while opponents argued it would impose rigid standards on a diverse continuum of placements and that the Judicial Council is the wrong entity to set substantive program rules. Members generally supported the goal of accountability, but the bill was not moved because quorum was not yet established at that point in the hearing.
SB 1012 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, the Fire Camp to Career Act, would require CDCR to connect California Conservation Camp participants to state-approved apprenticeships and require apprenticeship programs to consider prior fire camp training. Supporters, including labor organizations, formerly incarcerated workers, and fire-training advocates, said the bill recognizes real skills gained in fire camps and creates a path to stable employment after release. Committee members largely supported the measure, with one noting that certification still must reflect demonstrated competency. SB 1012 was presented favorably, though the transcript does not show a final roll-call vote before the meeting moved on.
SB 1306 by Senator Cortese would align California law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Supporters said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens without affecting pure GBL or public safety, and committee members expressed support. SB 1401 by Senator Stern would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor procedures, including timelines, information-sharing, and conservatorship referral tools. Supporters said it would prevent people from falling through gaps in the mental health system, while opponents warned it could expand court control and weaken confidentiality and due process. The committee passed SB 1401 to Appropriations on a roll-call vote, with members voting aye and the bill held on call for absent members.
The committee also heard SB 1027 by Senator Strickland, which would create a task force to study street prostitution, human trafficking, victim services, and community impacts. Supporters from law enforcement, cities, and district attorneys said the bill would help identify victims and develop better statewide responses; some opponents remained opposed to the bill as introduced but said they would review the amendments. Members praised the amended version, and the committee passed SB 1027 as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee on a roll-call vote, with the bill held on call for absent members. SB 1307 by Senator Jones, dealing with fraudulent or forged real estate documents and clouded titles, was also heard; after opposition withdrew, members supported the measure and moved it forward as amended, held on call for absent members. The transcript then shifted to SB 1276 by Senator Rubio, which would clarify that knowingly viewing livestreamed or AI-generated child sexual exploitation is criminalized; the author and witnesses described it as a needed update to keep pace with technology and close loopholes protecting predators from accountability.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (3-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting agencies when they are
- This reimbursement is paid by the federal government to the criminal justice agency.
- justice agencies to provide criminal justice agencies to provide criminal<00:04:54.400><c> history</
- records information to criminal history records information to requesting<00:04:57.440><c> agencies<
- </c><00:05:16.759><c> records</c> related to the criminal records related to the criminal records information
Summary:
The committee opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard an announcement inviting members to the Kentucky National Guard’s annual legislator briefing and rotary-wing flight over Frankfort on March 10, with a Friday deadline to RSVP. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 340, sponsored by Representative Tony Hampton, with testimony from Hampton and representatives of the Kentucky sheriffs and law enforcement community.
HB 340 would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 requiring criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting federal agencies conducting suitability or fitness assessments for federal or contractor employees under 5 U.S.C. 9101. The bill also allows a $25 fee to reimburse agencies for the cost of providing the records and makes a conforming change to juvenile justice records law. Supporters said the measure is needed to bring Kentucky into compliance with federal law, noting the state had been out of compliance and could risk federal funding; they also said sheriffs’ offices need statutory authority to charge the fee.
Members asked about whether the bill covers all background checks, sealed or expunged records, and juvenile records. Testimony explained that the bill applies to federal security-related background checks, that federal law requires access to sealed or expunged records, and that juvenile information would remain in-house but could be relevant when applicants disclose past conduct. One example was given involving a juvenile firearms-related offense discovered during a federal suitability review. The committee then voted on the bill, and House Bill 340 passed with favorable expression, with the chair announcing it should do the same in the House.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Tab 9, Senator Gruters, CS for SB 1140 on criminal offender substance abuse pilot program.
- As you aware, state attorneys use criminal Sentencing points on the Criminal Punishment Code score sheet
- the defendant's minimum criminal sentence.
- Candace Brower, Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, waiving in support.
- It provides an exemption for law enforcement when conducting a criminal investigation.
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, victims’ rights, and related bills. SB 984 on aggravating factors in capital cases was reported favorably after debate over its focus on religious, school, and government gatherings; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters said it was about accountability rather than deterrence. CS for SB 1140 creating a Hillsborough County substance abuse pilot program for offenders, CS for SB 1180 broadening child sexual image protections, CS for SB 10 compensating Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction, CS for SB 500 creating a Spectrum Alert system for missing children with autism, and SB 1054 on tampering with electronic monitoring devices all passed favorably, with the substance abuse bill drawing supportive testimony about treatment and recovery and the Holmes bill receiving emotional support from Holmes himself.
The committee also approved SB 1072 on expedited DNA testing grants, CS for SB 240 on domestic and dating violence victims, CS for SB 494 creating a statewide animal abuse database, and CS for SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and weaponized drones. SB 240 drew extensive testimony from advocates describing a feasibility study for a discreet emergency alert system and the need to align domestic and dating violence protections; SB 494 drew strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials who described local registries and the link between animal abuse and violence toward people, while members discussed whether the bill should also bar known abusers from adopting animals. SB 1422 passed after questions about “reasonable force” against drones and concerns about firearms use, with the sponsor saying the bill was meant to protect privacy and property rights.
Additional measures reported favorably included SB 1268 updating Department of Law Enforcement statutes and increasing reimbursement for retired police dogs, CS for SB 1344 revising juvenile status-offender procedures, CS for SB 1252 creating a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 1386 increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers, CS for SB 1084 strengthening sexual cyber harassment laws for intimate and digitally forged images, CS for SB 1654 revising sex offender/predator registration and reporting rules, CS for SB 1650 expanding the vexatious litigant law, and CS for SB 1652 creating a public records exemption for stricken court filings. The final and most heavily debated bill, CS for SB 1284 on wrongful death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony from supporters who framed it as recognizing unborn life and opponents who warned it could be used to harass abortion patients, providers, and supporters and could increase malpractice exposure; the sponsor said the bill would allow parents to recover damages while protecting mothers and lawful medical care. The transcript ends before the roll call on SB 1284 is completed, but the committee had already reported the other measures favorably by recorded votes, generally along party lines with broad support from members present.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/20/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> violated those criminal laws? violated those criminal laws?
- </c> criminals in Minnesota. criminals in Minnesota.
- Um so aid uh and you conduct CPR.
- We do also criminal sexual conduct investigations involving Minnesota peace officers and Minnesota National
- We do do uh also criminal sexual<03:28:46.000><c> conduct</c><03:28:46.479><c> investigations</c><03:
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask that all members please come to Capitol, Room 112, so we can establish a quorum and conduct business
- To summarize how we're going to conduct our hearing today: on each bill, we'll take up to two principal
- Like get out of criminal and get into care.
- Ignacio Hernandez, on behalf of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
- That is fundamental in court to our criminal justice system.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:01.639><c> justice</c> by the criminal justice by the criminal justice system<00:11:03.720
- </c> policing next point is criminalizing policing next point is criminalizing being<00:31:41.279><c>
- Next point is a predatory offender registration for stayed criminal sexual conduct sentences.
- Individuals convicted of criminal sexual conduct should be required to register as a predatory offender
- sexual conduct.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Pamela Bondi, of Florida, to be Attorney General, Department of Justice. Jan 29th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- She condemned the criminal charges that had been filed against President Trump due to his conduct on
- case without conducting even a minimal assessment of the evidence.
- illegal conduct.
- The reckless conduct, of course, of these horrible pardons.
- But then the illegal conduct.