Video & Transcript : 'prosecuting attorney' :

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Senate Health and Human Services COR

Transcript Highlights:
  • My understanding is that, you know, it's the prosecution that really has the choice.
  • My understanding is that, you know, it's the prosecution that really has the choice.
  • There are county attorneys, but not others.
  • There are county attorneys, but We'd like a couple county members on that as well.
  • There are county attorneys, but not others.
Summary: The committee approved minutes from February 18, February 19, and March 4, then took up several health-related bills. HB 2050, which updates radiologic technologist and radiologic assistant standards, school accreditation, clinical hours, supervision rules, fees, and telehealth definitions, received support from a radiologic technologist and a nurse practitioner and passed 7-0 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2082, creating a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and expanding the research fund, was amended to require at least $5 million in funding before commission allocations and to shift grant-awarding authority to the DHS director; it passed 7-0 as amended, though members raised concerns about oversight. HB 2176, which changes DHS licensing denial criteria and complaint-investigation procedures for health care institutions, also passed 7-0 after testimony from hospital and public health representatives supporting clearer timelines and transparency, with one member noting concerns about possible subjectivity in ownership-related denials. HB 2195, addressing DHS oversight of nursing care institutions, including personnel record access, deficiency timelines, and complaint-investigation deadlines, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2027 and allow off-site preliminary reviews; it passed 7-0 as amended, though one member said DHS should have been present to answer questions. HB 2202, appropriating $300,000 annually for a dementia care tele-mentoring program, drew support from the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient with younger-onset Alzheimer’s; it passed 6-1, with one no vote arguing medical schools should teach the material instead of the state funding it. HB 2307, an emergency measure to address placement of dangerous, incompetent, non-restorable defendants, was heavily debated and amended to use up to three beds at the Arizona State Hospital forensic campus temporarily, create a study committee, and sunset after five years; counties and DHS disagreed over whether counties should bear any costs, and the bill passed 4-3 as amended. Finally, HB 2584, which prohibits public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment or services tied to foreign adversaries, passed 4-3 after a sponsor and a national security witness argued it would protect genomic data from hostile foreign control. The committee then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - Senate Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • address the suspected act of bullying after receiving a prior report, a court may award reasonable attorney
  • That's likely to be prosecuted if it is determined that it was, in fact, a prosecutable offense.
  • legal and financial liability on schools and ultimately the taxpayers by allowing courts to award attorney
  • Carla Phillips Krivichis, and I am the co-founder of Champions for Kids, a coalition of parents, attorneys
  • Carla Phillips Krivichis, and I am the co-founder of Champions for Kids, a coalition of parents, attorneys
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> um a county attorney in support of this. um a county attorney in support of this.
  • </c> criminal prosecution. criminal prosecution.
  • Um, and if the prosecution was willing to take that forward. >> Okay. All right.
  • I'm a practicing attorney, and I'm also a rep for District 18.
  • I'm a practicing attorney, and I'm also a rep for District 18.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EIG DEFER, EIG-PSM, EIG Public Hearings 02-10-2026

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we have the Department of Prosecuting Attorney also in support.
  • Attorney</c><00:04:56.080><c> also</c> Department of Prosecuting Attorney also Department of Prosecuting
  • Attorney also in<00:04:56.639><c> in</c><00:04:56.800><c> support.
  • </c><00:24:48.320><c> They</c><00:24:48.480><c> are</c> attorney general's office.
  • They are attorney general's office.
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • elects not to prosecute, be reported to ICE.
  • Minnesota Statute 624.172, subdivision 5, even in cases where the county attorney elects not to prosecute
  • Thank you. timeconsuming criminal prosecution timeconsuming criminal prosecution process<00:14:43.199
  • </c> Peru a labor and human rights attorney Peru a labor and human rights attorney practitioner<00:27
  • I am Eder Castillo, senior assistant county attorney for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 16, and the chair moved the bill with a recommendation that it be re-referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations. Representative Rymer said the bill would require reporting to ICE when an illegal immigrant is arrested on suspicion of a violent crime, even if the county attorney does not prosecute, and would bar state and local entities from blocking federal immigration enforcement. He described the bill as narrowly focused on serious offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct, and said it was intended to improve communication with federal authorities about dangerous offenders. Supporters argued the bill would improve public safety and cooperation with federal law enforcement. David Zimmer, a former local law enforcement official, said cooperation with ICE is consistent with law enforcement practice and helps with information-sharing, warrants, consulate notifications, and locating individuals. Several other supporters, including a crime victim family member and a security officer, said the bill would help identify dangerous criminals and protect communities. Opponents said the bill would reduce trust in local law enforcement and discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Testifiers from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights, Violence Free Minnesota, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Northstar Alliance, the City of Minneapolis, and others said mandatory ICE notification could deter domestic violence and trafficking victims from seeking help, harm due process, and undermine community safety. Some also warned it would interfere with local separation policies, burden local agencies, and have negative economic and civil rights impacts. The committee also heard emotional testimony from individuals describing domestic abuse and immigration-related fears, and from family members of a murder victim who supported the bill.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Corrections and Public Institutions Mar 9th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:
  • So just in salaries for my attorneys in these offices, we're approaching $3 million.
  • attorneys because of the stress of the job.
  • attorneys because of the stress of the job.
  • I was not trying to talk about your efficacy as an attorney. That's fair.
  • I don't have my capital attorneys here.
Keywords: 959, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 6th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Attorneys, here unfortunately opposed to House Bill 1591.
  • This is Jason Cummings, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney.
  • I'm the prosecuting attorney here in Thurston County and a co-chair of WAPA's legislative committee,
  • I'm Russell Brown, Executive Director for the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, here in
  • That's one of the reasons why the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Washington
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 6th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's got Attorney General enforcement. There is a private cause of action.
  • Then you refuse to do so again when you receive notice from the Attorney General.
  • Then you refuse to do so again when you receive notice from the Attorney General.
  • When you receive notice from the Attorney General, that's on them if they refuse to act.
  • The language in the committee substitute references the district attorney.
Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and then handled several procedural matters, including a failed motion to excuse Senator Johnson’s absence after a roll-call vote. The chamber also postponed the reading and referral of bills until later in the calendar and adopted motions allowing the Education K-16 Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. The Senate then recessed until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. The main floor action centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, which lowers the voter-approval tax rate for certain cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5% for maintenance and operations. Senator Bettencourt argued the bill would slow local property tax growth and align city and county limits more closely with school district limits, while Senators Hinojosa and Menendez raised concerns about reduced local revenue, public safety funding, and the short time for cities to assess the impact. The Senate suspended the regular order, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the constitutional three-day rule, and finally passed SB 9, with a clarification later entered that the final passage vote was 18-3. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which sets state policy for the use of certain spaces and facilities according to biological sex and creates enforcement mechanisms for state agencies and political subdivisions. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect women and children in restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and schools, while opponents questioned the scope, enforcement, civil penalties, and possible conflicts with federal law and local control. After extensive questioning, the chamber adopted a clarifying amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed SB 7 by a vote of 19-2. Finally, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 15, which addresses deed fraud and real property theft by tightening recording requirements for certain property documents and creating new criminal offenses for real property theft and fraud. Senator Hinojosa explained that the bill combined civil and criminal provisions, added photo ID requirements for in-person filings, and included restitution and enhanced penalties for certain victims and properties; a floor amendment made cleanup changes, removed a training mandate, and clarified that electronic and mail filings were not affected. The Senate adopted the amendment, suspended the three-day rule, and passed SB 15 unanimously, 21-0.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the Muslims prosecuted—I mean, they killed him because he would not go to the Muslim faith.
  • And the Muslims prosecuted I mean, they And the Muslims prosecuted I mean, they killed<00:43:23.920><
  • </c> mechanism is is through the Attorney mechanism is is through the Attorney General's<01:17:50.680
  • in support of that Texas law, along with 20 other attorneys general.
  • </c><03:19:55.920><c> had</c> court judge and a district attorney had court judge and a district attorney
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Children and Family Law (03/19/2026)

Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an attorney at New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
  • I am supervising attorney on that project.
  • My name is Attorney Matthew Hayes.
  • William, uh, Attorney Williams and Mr.
  • </c> um award reasonable cost in attorney um award reasonable cost in attorney fees<02:49:57.439><c>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Joe Ross Logan County Attorney and president of the County Attorneys Association said he was on the line
  • and president of the County attorney and president of the County<00:08:05.360><c> attorneys</c> County
  • attorneys County attorneys Association<00:08:07.560><c> good</c><00:08:07.720><c> morning</c><00:08:
  • He said it would be something where you could be prosecuted as a probable cause DUI, where you prove
  • I'm their staff attorney. Thank you, Mr. Chair and the committee.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Regulated Industries Feb 3rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Specifically, this would require associations to provide law enforcement agencies and prosecuting agencies
  • , such as state attorneys and state and local prosecutors, with records requested by those agencies in
  • It would require associations to assist law enforcement agencies and prosecuting agencies in their investigations
  • or otherwise make records available for inspection and copying to such law enforcement agency or prosecuting
Summary: The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills. First, the committee took up SB 1724 on municipal utility services. A late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Martin was adopted after he explained it would require annual customer meetings for certain extraterritorial utility customers, cap the use of utility revenues for general government purposes, eliminate a 25% surcharge and reduce the rate differential cap, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain surcharges only as needed to satisfy existing bond covenants. The Florida League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the time needed for rate studies and budget adjustments, but the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices by Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, authorize their installation at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or debate, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water and wastewater service solely because a property owner declines annexation, if the property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. An amendment narrowed the bill by defining “main line” and reducing the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about large users, possible conflict with annexation law, potential enclave creation, and revenue impacts, but Senator Mayfield said he would continue working on the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, Chair Bradley presented SB 1498 on community associations. A strike-all amendment was adopted that made technical changes to video conference recording, turnover inspection reports, and electronic voting, and added provisions requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors, creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal. It also targeted mandatory club or amenity fee structures controlled by developers or third parties, declaring such provisions against public policy, limiting assessments to proportional expenses, and allowing suits and conveyance of common areas after turnover. Testimony from homeowners described alleged governance abuses and opaque, profit-driven mandatory fees in their communities, while the Community Associations Institute supported the amendment. The committee reported CS for SB 1498 favorably. Members then recorded additional votes for the record, and the meeting adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 3rd, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • Specifically, this would require associations to provide law enforcement agencies and prosecuting agencies
  • , such as state attorneys and state and local prosecutors, with records requested by those agencies in
  • It would require associations to assist law enforcement agencies and prosecuting agencies in their investigations
  • or otherwise make records available for inspection and copying to such law enforcement agency or prosecuting
Bills: S0936, S1724, S1014, S1498
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and advanced four bills. First, members took up SB 1724 on utility services, adopting a late-filed delete-everything amendment by Senator Martin. The amended bill would require annual customer meetings for certain municipal utility customers outside city limits, cap use of gross utility revenues for general government purposes, require excess funds to be reinvested or returned, reduce the outside-city surcharge and rate differential caps, and phase out certain surcharges tied to existing bond covenants. The Florida League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the need for time to complete rate studies and budget adjustments. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Members also heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, which would define and authorize such devices, direct the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the building code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee next considered SB 1014, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water and wastewater service solely because a property owner will not annex, if the property is near a municipal main line, not already served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. An amendment narrowed the distance trigger to one-half mile and clarified the main-line requirement. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about impacts on annexation policy, potential duplication of services, and possible subsidy of outside customers, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1498 on community associations. A strike-all amendment made technical changes to turnover inspection and electronic voting provisions and added two major policy changes: requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors, with a misdemeanor penalty for willful noncompliance, and prohibiting certain developer-controlled mandatory club fee arrangements that generate perpetual profit beyond proportional expenses. Testimony in support came from homeowners describing alleged governance abuses and mandatory fee schemes in their communities, while the Community Associations Institute supported the amendment. The committee reported CS for SB 1498 favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senators Bracey Davis and Calatayud asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They can prosecuted in circuit court.
  • I've been probably, you know, I prosecuted a long time, and where rare was the case when I was prosecuting
  • </c> Uh we're going to allow the attorney Uh we're going to allow the attorney general<02:28:46.240><
  • </c> district attorney? district attorney?
  • </c><04:35:07.641><c> this</c><04:35:07.881><c> bill</c> going to prosecute this bill going to prosecute
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would rely on prosecution, who's a party to the case, to make that notification.
  • We would rely on<01:03:27.920><c> prosecution</c><01:03:28.480><c> to</c><01:03:28.799><c> who's</c><
  • </c> criminal prosecution. criminal prosecution.
  • Um, and if the prosecution was willing to take that forward. >> Okay. All right.
  • I'm a practicing attorney, and I'm also a rep for District 18.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Corrections and Public Institutions Mar 9th, 2026

Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:
  • So just in salaries for my attorneys in these offices, $759,984.
  • So just in salaries for my attorneys in these offices, we're approaching $3 million.
  • We pay a premium to those attorneys because of that.
  • I was not trying to talk about your efficacy as an attorney.
  • I was not trying to talk about your efficacy as an attorney, by the way.
Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions met with a quorum and heard testimony on three bills, with no executive session. House Bill 2153, by Rep. Jim Murphy, would repeal the death penalty in Missouri. Murphy argued the death penalty is costly, not a deterrent, irreversible when mistakes are made, and harmful to victims’ families through repeated appeals. Supporters included Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, Baptist minister Brian Kaler, Public Defender Director Matthew Crowell, Dr. Heidi Moore of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, former inmate Clifton Davis, Empower Missouri’s Gwen Smith Moore, the Innocence Project, Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, and former Rep. Tony Lobotto. Testimony focused on moral objections, wrongful convictions, racial arbitrariness, the burden on victims’ families, and significant state and defense costs. Several members asked about costs, retroactivity, and the effect on current death-row inmates; Murphy said the bill would apply prospectively only. No vote was taken. House Bill 3154, by Rep. Bennie Cook, would update Missouri Gaming Commission fingerprint/background-check requirements to explicitly include sports wagering and fantasy sports applicants, suppliers, and key persons. Cook said the bill is intended to ensure proper criminal background checks through the Highway Patrol and to align the statute with newer gaming activities. Missouri Gaming Commission Executive Director Mike Lira testified in support, explaining that fingerprints are needed to identify out-of-state criminal histories and that federal guidance requires specific statutory language for sports wagering background checks. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, and there was no opposition. House Bill 3535, also by Rep. Bennie Cook, would add fireworks-related authority and clarify that state fire marshals, who are already post-certified peace officers, may act in exigent circumstances and assist other officers during investigations or emergencies. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean supported the bill, saying it would give fire marshals another tool and help with illegal fireworks investigations. One witness opposed the bill, objecting to the phrase “exigent circumstances” as too subjective and potentially harmful to Fourth Amendment protections. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the chair then dismissed the committee.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:52:43.920><c> as</c> perspectives from State Attorneys as perspectives from State Attorneys as
  • </c><00:55:57.720><c> General's</c> we have the Attorney General's we have the Attorney General's office
  • </c> Deputy attorney Deputy attorney general<00:56:10.960><c> we</c><00:56:11.119><c> just</c><00:56:
  • </c> is think with the Department of attorney is think with the Department of attorney oh okay<01:08:
  • All right, so we had in opposition the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 2nd, 2026

Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:
  • I say those statistics to say this legislation creates an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney
  • I say those statistics to say this legislation creates an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney
  • My name is Attorney Walker Smith. I'm a civil rights attorney from Orlando.
  • My name is Attorney Walker Smith. I'm a civil rights attorney from Orlando.
  • But what it has to do with is on Martin Luther King Day, the Attorney General determined that 80 statutes
Keywords: 999, senate, all
Summary: The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House DFL Press Conference 5/6/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> while sending a letter to Attorney while sending a letter to Attorney General<00:08:28.639><c> Bondi
  • </c> prosecutors within the attorney prosecutors within the attorney general's<00:19:36.559><c> office
  • You mentioned attorney general. What about the governor, though?
  • You mentioned attorney of people.
  • </c><00:30:22.880><c> General</c> Governor Wen, one is Attorney General Governor Wen, one is Attorney
Keywords: 1183, house
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an Assistant Attorney General appearing on behalf of the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys
  • I'm an Assistant Attorney General appearing on behalf of the Association of Washington Assistant Attorney
  • It's Attorney General. I'm here to rise today in support of SB 681 as one of its co-authors.
  • Lewis County prosecuted them.
  • The appellate court reversed that based on, I use the Brady Bunch example, Prosecuted them.
Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 6137 would expand Washington sports wagering by allowing wagers placed over the internet to be accepted at any tribal gaming facility, not just the same tribe’s facility, and would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington institutions while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington athletes’ performance. Washington State University opposed the bill over concerns about harassment, point shaving, and broader gambling harms, while the University of Washington supported the individual prop-bet ban but urged caution. An Emerald Queen Casinos representative supported the bill, saying it would move existing illegal wagering into a regulated system with safeguards. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, which would require regular consultation with tribes on voting access and authorize a secure electronic ballot return portal for military, overseas, Native American, and disability voters. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill’s tribal outreach and said it was more comfortable with the revised portal language, but several election-security witnesses opposed the portal sections, arguing internet ballot return is too risky and lacks adequate standards. King County Elections supported the portal as a more secure option than current email and fax methods, and said it would improve access while preserving paper trails and security checks. Substitute Senate Bill 6034 would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency. The office and a tribal health liaison testified in support, saying codification would stabilize government-to-government relations with tribes and ensure continuity beyond executive preference. Substitute Senate Bill 6081 would restrict public disclosure of sex designation information in certain licensing and vital records; supporters said it would protect transgender people from doxing, harassment, and violence, while opponents argued it would make official records less accurate. Staff also briefed Senate Bill 5863 on Lakeland Village records, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 reestablishing the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, and Senate Bill 5892 on voter data protections. The committee adopted amendments to SB 5863 and SB 5892, rejected some other amendments, and reported SB 5863, SCR 8406, and SB 5892 out of committee with due pass recommendations.