Video & Transcript : 'prosecuting attorney' :
Page 95 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe attorney Shure, Representative Sher, would be available on a case here or a case there.
- </c> uh representative from the attorney uh representative from the attorney general<01:06:25.520><c>
- </c> right of action and permits the attorney right of action and permits the attorney general<01:41:
- Um I do however prosecute that behavior.
- being able to having the attorney being able to attorney<02:12:18.079><c> general</c><02:12:18.320><
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 268, a bill related to biological sex and related classifications. Members opposing the bill argued it was unnecessary, poorly drafted, and a personal attack on a small group of people, while supporters said it was needed to protect girls and women and to avoid repeated floor debate on a measure they viewed as proper. Several members also discussed the bill’s definition of biological sex, the lack of guidance on what information could be required to make determinations, and concerns about unintended consequences. The committee voted on a motion to retain the bill and approved it by a 10-8 roll call vote, with the bill retained.
The committee then moved to Senate Bill 189, described by supporters as a housekeeping measure requested by the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and Human Services concerning fetal death records. Supporters said the bill was narrow, time-sensitive, and ready to pass, while opponents argued it needed further work and that the committee should not use retention to reopen the bill for broader changes. Some members said they wanted to add or explore additional provisions related to fetal death reporting, while others objected that such changes were outside the bill’s scope and poor procedure. After debate, the committee voted to retain Senate Bill 189 as well.
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.
Keywords:
public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants
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.
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.
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety committee debate on HF16 - Pt. 1 3/12/25
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.
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.
WA
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
Keywords:
postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access
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.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-26-25)
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.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:02
HB 446: 00:01:44
HB 456: 00:07:08
Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20
HB 10: 00:26:18
HB 96: 00:36:54
HB 399: 00:56:31
HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all
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.
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>
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
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
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.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 20th, 2026
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.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- agency, and who in connection with the incident has been found guilty of or received a deferred prosecution
- A person who has been found guilty of or received a deferred prosecution for the offense is liable for
- If the court finds the expense is proven by the prosecution and reasonable, it must order the person
- This question is for the representative from the Attorney General's office.
- very sensitive about that because they're concerned that, am I going to have to start hiring an attorney
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The Attorney General went to appeal that and found out that they were not allowed to appeal because it
- I am General Counsel to Attorney General Hanaway. My name is Peter Donahue.
- I am General Counsel to Attorney General Hannaway, and I speak today in favor of the bills.
- This is a common-sense change, and the Attorney General supports this.
- attorney for full prosecution.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A power of attorney is a grant of authority to a person or another person to act on his or her behalf
- Generally, a power of attorney must also be notarized.
- Likewise, it allows a limited power of attorney for the sole purpose of transferring vehicle ownership
- My name is Dana Savage, and I'm an Assistant Attorney General appearing on behalf of the Association
- of Washington Assistant Attorney General.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several measures. ESHB 1980 would allow private employer shuttle services to use certain BAT lanes in King County under a two-year pilot, with local authority and transit-agency approval, performance standards, fee-for-use requirements, labor input, annual reporting, and a 10-year sunset. Supporters from Bellevue, transit employers, and business groups said it would improve commute options, reduce congestion, and support the upcoming RapidRide K Line; staff noted the bill differs from prior versions by adding the pilot, labor representation, vehicle markings, and reporting. The committee then heard SB 6252, which would extend the transit support grant program’s zero-fare requirement to degree- and certificate-seeking community and technical college students. Supporters said it would improve access to education and transit, especially for older and rural students, while transit groups raised concerns about fare revenue losses and implementation costs; staff estimated no state cost but significant local revenue impacts. The committee also heard SB 6081, a privacy bill that would restrict public disclosure of sex designation change records in Department of Licensing and Department of Health records, limit sharing with other jurisdictions, and keep updated credentials from showing that a change occurred. The sponsor and many supporters framed it as a safety measure for transgender Washingtonians, while opponents argued it would undermine accurate records; staff said the Department of Licensing would face about $1 million in implementation costs over four years, with other agencies expecting minimal impacts. Finally, SB 6265 would allow electronic, non-notarized signatures and printed copies for documents transferring a totaled salvage vehicle to an insurer; the sponsor and salvage-industry witnesses said it would modernize the process and reduce hardship, and staff reported no fiscal impact. No votes or executive actions were taken; the committee closed each public hearing and adjourned after a reminder about amendment deadlines for upcoming executive session bills.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2156 relates to the authority of the Attorney General's Office investigators, and there are
- interference with emergency operations and makes a person who has been convicted of or received a deferred prosecution
- interference with emergency operations and makes a person who has been convicted of or received a deferred prosecution
- We are in a crisis right now where we have a shortage of prosecutors and defense attorneys.
- And as an attorney right now, I have so many immigrants who cannot get their DACA renewed, who are facing
Summary:
The Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard. On House Bill 1228, which concerns certification of toxicology labs for blood and breath analysis, the committee adopted two amendments: Whale 261 allowing use of an out-of-state private lab under specified conditions, and Pat 341 requiring a Washington State Patrol implementation report by October 1, 2031. Amendment Pat 340 was withdrawn. The bill was then reported out do pass. House Bill 1982, which expands vacation eligibility for convictions tied to treaty Indian rights and directs the Office of Public Defense to provide representation, was also reported out do pass with a proposed substitute that reorganizes the statute and clarifies hunting-rights eligibility. House Bill 2156, concerning Attorney General investigators’ authority, was reported out do pass after a roll-call vote of 6-3.
The committee also approved House Bill 2165, creating the gross misdemeanor of false identification as a peace officer, after adopting a proposed substitute that moves some conduct from criminal impersonation into the new offense, revises defenses, and defines “peace officer”; the bill passed 8-1. House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency operations and allowing recovery of emergency response costs, was amended to reduce some penalty levels and shorten license suspensions, then reported out do pass. House Bill 2220, relating to the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was held for later action. House Bill 2362, the so-called 0.05 impaired driving bill, drew divided testimony and debate over public safety, toxicology lab capacity, racial disproportionality in traffic stops, and immigration consequences of DUI convictions, but it was ultimately reported out do pass by a 5-4 vote.
House Bill 2403, which modifies provisions on failure to register as a sex offender or kidnapping offender, was reported out do pass after discussion about balancing administrative treatment of the offense against public safety concerns. Finally, House Bill 2464, requiring private detention facilities to report incidents to the Department of Health and law enforcement and requiring annual agency reports, was reported out do pass despite objections that the issue should be handled federally and concerns about state detention practices. The committee then adjourned its executive session.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I also served as an assistant state attorney for 11 years prosecuting various complex crimes before my
- And I also served as an assistant state attorney for 11 years prosecuting various complex crimes before
- my return to the clerk's Attorney for 11 years prosecuting various complex crimes before my return to
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues.
A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support.
Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.