Transcript Highlights:

• recommended sentences. recommended sentences.
• What we're saying is we're sentenced.
• sentence, but it ain't going to go down. sentence, but it ain't going to go down.
• And so the sentencing were given.
• to parole, to reduced sentencing. to parole, to reduced sentencing.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3380, a bill by Representative Hudson aimed at repeat violent felony offenders who use firearms. Hudson said the bill would require aggravated sentencing, up to the statutory maximum, for people convicted of three or more violent felonies involving firearms, with no probation, parole, early release, or work release. He argued the measure was needed because repeat offenders cycle through the system and because downward departures are too common, especially in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Dave Zimmer, a former law enforcement officer and public safety policy fellow, testified in support, saying the bill would tighten loopholes, restore consequences for repeat violent offenders, and help victims of violent crime. Representative Pinto questioned the bill’s need and structure, asking for specific examples of the problem and raising concerns about separation of powers, the breadth of the lookback into prior convictions, and whether the bill actually required a full maximum sentence or could be satisfied by only a small upward departure. He also noted that sentencing departures are public and can be challenged. Representative Mohler similarly pressed for clarification on the statistics Hudson cited, referenced sentencing guidelines data showing different departure rates across counties, and said departures can sometimes reflect victim preferences or evidentiary difficulties. Hudson responded that the bill was simple, that any ambiguity about firearm involvement would likely not count, and that the point was to ensure sentences could not go down for repeat armed violent offenders. After discussion, the chair announced that an amendment, DE2, was out of order. The committee then laid House File 3380 over, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . sentence. sentence.
• want to sentence these people to die. want to sentence these people to die.
• a sentence, something like that. a sentence, something like that.
• and indeterminate sentences sentences and indeterminate sentences 706660. 706660. 706660.
• . sentence. sentence.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grands or more of Fentanyl and sentences Grands or more of Fentanyl and sentences of<00:25:24.039
• result in mandatory minimum sentences result in mandatory minimum sentences for<00:30:50.159>
• <00:44:46.480> for<00:44:46.720> 28 mandatory sentence for 28 mandatory sentence for
• sentenced they're still being sentenced sentenced they're still being sentenced to<00:46:17.440>
• you serve your sentence yes there's a<00:47:41.960> backup<00:47:42.280> sentence<00:47

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BR ...sentencing. Pending. Mr.
• They were sentenced at the time under the existing law, meaning that... ...meaning that they were sentenced
• So it would be sentencing under the guidelines. ...would be sentencing under the guidelines or standards
• Also, if he changes the sentence, he could declare a split sentence or something along that lines, give
• I'm not going to change the sentence, or if I change the sentence, here's what it's going to be and here

Bills: SJR 18, SCR 5, SCR 13, SCR 25, SB 3, SB 6, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 18, SB 35, SB 388, SB 412, SB 441, SB 495, SB 666, SB 687, SB 706, SB 740, SB 815, SB 842, SB 917, SB 925, SB 995, SB 1006, SB 1281, SB 1300, SB 1379, SB 1451, SB 1902, SJR 36, SJR 18, SJR 12, SCR 13, SCR 25, SCR 5, SCR 22, SB 565, SB 372, SB 495, SB 842, SB 765, SB 62, SB 19, SB 18, SB 666, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 290, SB 11, SB 10, SB 13, SB 412, SB 441, SB 1248, SB 740, SB 14, SB 1006, SB 504, SB 917, SB 925, SB 388, SB 1902, SB 1121, SB 995, SB 857, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 35, SB 6, SB 815, SB 3, SB 1281, SB 1379, SB 1300, SB 1497, SB 1499, SB 1498, SB 1451, SB 1061, SB 15, SB 65, SB 241, SB 304, SB 402, SB 499, SB 621, SB 974, SB 1023, SB 1024, SB 1025, SB 1106, SB 686, SB 112, SB 371, SB 204, SB 400, SB 609, SB 1447, SB 670, SB 502, SB 427, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1555, SB 1362, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 987, SB 1539, SB 893, SB 447, SB 875, SB 406, SB 509, SB 985, SB 965, SB 17, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 12, SB 24, SB 57, SB 1194, SB 1253, SB 1215, SB 1532, SB 1268, SCR 12, SCR 24, SB 1302, SB 856, SB 650, SB 583, SB 673, SB 840, SJR 18, SB 11, SB 441, SB 10, SB 18, SB 412, SB 495, SR 238, SR 264, SR 266, SR 267, SR 268, SR 270, SR 271, SR 272, SR 278, SB 1169, SB 1169

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming

Transcript Highlights:

• What the court did was deal with the sentencing and the restructuring of the sentencing.
• Also, prospectively, the court, the sentencing court, will be required Court, the sentencing court, will
• The 35-year sentence fits within the normal standard structures.
• But again, I point to the sentencing mitigation, the additional chance to reduce that sentence, provided
• But again, I point to the sentencing mitigation, the additional chance to reduce that sentence, provided

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• sentence.
• sentence.
• At 18 years old, I received a 25- to 40-year sentence, five 12- to 20-year sentences, two 7- to 10-year
• sentences, and one 4- to 5-year sentence.
• I was sentenced a combined... I was sentenced a combined over 250 years.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• We used to rely very heavily on the Sentencing Commission.
• But we also have the sentencing commission today.
• So, the Sentencing Commission would essentially be the...
• Does the Sentencing Commission, Mr.
• And, you know, we've been working on the sentencing, restructuring the sentencing, and you brought it

Transcript Highlights:

• of repeat offenders being sentenced.
• Our judges can depart away from presumptive prison sentences, as recommended by our sentencing guidelines
• 2022 the percentage of felony sentences 2022 the percentage of felony sentences involving<00:04:
• as recommended by our sentences as recommended by our sentencing sentencing sentencing guidelines<00
• felony cases in which the sentence felony cases in which the sentence included<00:20:30.080>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What the court did was deal with the sentencing and the restructuring of the sentencing.
• This legislation deals with a culpability analysis for those sentences.
• The 35-year sentence fits within the normal standard structures.
• But again, I point to the sentencing mitigation, the additional...
• The sentencing mitigation, the additional chance to reduce that sentence, provided that factors did not

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• consecutively to the sentence for an underlying sentence.
• the same to serve the sentence the same to serve the sentence consecutively<00:08:20.720> to<
• > sentence.
• It expands the underlying sentence.
• c> served stayed sentences to be served stayed sentences to be served concurrently.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Conference Committee met on May 13, 2025, with a quorum present and heard emotional testimony on Senate File 281, the coercion crime bill. Jamie Bumth testified about her son Carter’s death by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scheme, describing how the perpetrator groomed, shamed, and extorted him and urging lawmakers to hold offenders accountable and better protect children online. Members thanked her for sharing her story, and the committee then moved on without further discussion of that item. The committee next adopted several agreed-upon policy items. It approved Article 4, R17 House language, which extends consecutive sentencing to local jail inmates who assault a sheriff’s correctional officer, mirroring existing law for state correctional inmates and limiting the scope to first- through fourth-degree assault. The motion passed unanimously. Members also adopted Article 5, R1 Senate language with changes: replacing “preserve and protect” with “document,” removing a disputed provision related to fleeing individuals for future work, and inserting “active” so the language refers to facilitating the active search for a missing person. The committee then adopted the A3 amendment concerning felony murder resentencing, clarifying that when eligible individuals are resentenced, the predicate felony or lesser-included offense is redesignated for the felony murder charge while preserving the original conviction date, and applying the clarification to resentencings from August 1, 2023. All motions passed, and the committee adjourned after concluding its formal agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last sentence. Last part, sentencing. You're right, sir. Sentencing. Thank you very much.
• Sometimes it's a jail sentence. Sometimes it's a probationary sentence.
• Sometimes it's a prison sentence.
• Last sentence. Last part, sentencing. Sentencing. Thank you very much, sir. As Mr.
• Sometimes it's a jail sentence. Sometimes it's a probationary sentence.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements. State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, a sentence for the crime committed is 144
• The penalties impose mandatory minimum sentences, increased maximum sentences, and require a fine in
• addition to the sentence, not in lieu of the mandatory minimums, maximum sentences, and fines.
• <00:46:02.520> increased mandatory minimum sentences increased mandatory minimum sentences
• <01:09:52.319> is average sentence is average sentence is probation<01:09:54.920> um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not eligible for a determinate sentence offense.
• , the committing court, to get a child sentenced to prison.
• sentence there with the youth.
• I was given a determinate sentence out of Russ County.
• You said that what the sentence would have been. Oh, The maximum sentence, yeah.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're retrospective sentencing.
• Um sentences.
• >> part of their sentence. >> part of their sentence.
• It's not part of their sentence. >> It's not part of their sentencing. No. >> Thank you.
• their sentence. their sentence.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so judges took to the practice of sentencing people to prison and then a sentence after prison to
• Court level, which can have a long post-release probation sentence.
• We have sentencing restrictions.
• Mostly sentenced to the center.
• In other words, when it's time for sentencing, even on a new offense or sentencing on a technical violation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met to approve the May 5 minutes and hear a presentation from the Massachusetts Probation Service. The minutes were approved unanimously, with a request that a member’s closing remarks be added to the record. The commission also noted online participants and confirmed quorum before moving to the presentation. Probation leaders described the agency’s role as the state’s largest post-release supervision system and emphasized its focus on reentry, accountability, and reducing technical violations. They outlined the from-and-after sentencing structure, dual supervision with parole, and efforts to reduce revocations and non-criminal violations. Members asked about racial and ethnic disparity work, and probation said that effort is funded through the trial court and state budget, not federal grants. The presentation highlighted community engagement, simplified and translated probation conditions, workforce diversification, and training aimed at improving trust and access for court users. A major portion of the discussion focused on Community Justice Support Centers, evidence-based programming, and shared services such as housing, MassHealth enrollment, transportation, and behavioral health referrals. Probation said the centers are underutilized but have shown improved outcomes in non-randomized studies, with lower recidivism among participants compared with similar probationers. Members discussed mental health access, veterans identification, medication-assisted treatment, and the importance of state IDs and driver’s licenses for successful reentry. The commission also heard about housing supports, including transitional and sober housing, and a statewide behavioral health initiative for justice-involved individuals. The meeting ended with plans for the next session on July 11 and a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe he was sentenced to serve 5 years or 3 years and 364 days suspended.
• to<00:08:32.959> three<00:08:33.200> years sentenced to three years sentenced to three
• > probation<00:09:46.959> with sentenced to 5 years probation with sentenced to 5 years
• Was sentenced to serve 5 probation.
• , due the expiration of a sentence, due the expiration of a sentence, completed<00:10:08.399>

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 24 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several suffrage-restoration bills and two nominations. Senate Bill 3394 for Jerene Cummings was explained by Senator Turner Ford, who said Cummings was convicted of false pretense in 1997, has had no further trouble for nearly 30 years, and MDLC records showed no later encounters; the committee approved it. Senate Bill 3400 for Dennis Hopkins was presented by Senator Why, who described Hopkins as a long-time productive community member and church volunteer; it was also approved. Senate Bill 3402 for Cordiero Martin was reviewed in Senator Carter’s absence, with members noting his 2014 felony shoplifting conviction, later controlled-substance conviction while incarcerated, completion of sentence terms, and law-abiding conduct since release; it passed. Bills 3403 and 3404 for Teddy Null and Denise Null were presented by Senator Parks, who said both had completed their sentences, were discharged in 2017 and 2018, and operate a successful business; both were approved together. Senate Bill 3395 for Melvin Jackson and Senate Bill 3396 for Lawrence Daniels were also considered and approved after staff reviewed MDOC/NCIC materials and noted completion of sentence requirements and no outstanding issues. During the discussion of the Jackson and Daniels matters, committee staff noted that MDOC background packets and time sheets had been received, and one member raised a concern about unusual immigration-related entries and aliases appearing on the NCIC sheet associated with the Hopkins file. Staff clarified that the name on the sheet appeared to be different and suggested asking MDOC for clarification or having DPS run a report before the matter reached the floor, to ensure it was not the same person. The committee then moved on without taking further action on that issue during the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the committee considered two confirmations to the Crimestoppers Advisory Council. It recommended advising and consenting to the reappointment of Colonel William R. Bill Allen Jr. of Tupelo for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025, and to the reappointment of David Jonathan Clayton of Petal to the Polygraph Examiner’s Board for a six-year term beginning October 7, 2025. Both nominations were approved by voice vote. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's just pile on more sentencing.
• Let's just pile on more sentencing.
• We have sentences that can be aggravated.
• Their felon-in-possession sentence in this—I have each sort of rectangle as a year—is a six-year sentence
• Sentences are approximately, the average sentence for a non-stacked charge, as was suggested earlier

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> um combine the sentencing for or the um combine the sentencing for or the assault<00:04:00.480>
• prison and receive a prison sentence because it'd be consecutive to the probationary sentence.
• will be getting a probationary sentence will be getting a probationary sentence on<00:09:16.880>
• after after that probationary sentence after after that probationary sentence is<00:09:31.240>
• was a jail sentence or a prison sentence was a jail sentence or a prison sentence depending<00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :15:55.680> sentencing<00:15:56.240> changes approval for sentencing changes approval for
• appointed unselected sentencing appointed unselected sentencing sentencing<00:16:02.399> guidelines
• sentencing guidelines sentencing guidelines commission<00:16:04.399> the<00:16:04.600>
• <00:52:44.559> structure Minnesota's drug sentencing structure Minnesota's drug sentencing
• <00:53:05.880> guidelines proposed set of sentencing guidelines proposed set of sentencing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and not mandatory sentences.
• And then the uh existing the sentence.
• presumptive executed sentences presumptive executed sentences um<00:04:32.160> and<00:04:
• So um and uh not mandatory uh sentences.
• <00:05:09.520> in codifies the uh presumptive sentences in codifies the uh presumptive sentences

Keywords: 1183, house