Bills: HB85, HB94, HB276, HB323, HB374, HB586, HB656, HB998, HB1204, SB42, SB46, SB51, SB87, SB110, SB154

Keywords: animal abuse, registry, law enforcement, felony offenses, public notification, firearms, due process, confiscation, law-abiding citizen, government funding, self-defense, bail, contradictory bail hearing, Gwen's Law, pretrial detention, criminal procedure, child sexual abuse, child rape, sexual battery, oral sexual battery

Transcript Highlights:

• bill, and it is just stating that if For supervised visits, if there is a person accused of sexual abuse
• The husband is abusing the older child.
• It allows that, upon sentencing, inmates become level two and can only earn 22 credits per month.
• This bill would allow, upon a sentencing, the inmates to come in at level 4.
• So while I don't want to minimize the trauma and abuse and the abuse of procedures to weaponize and hurt

Bills: SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618

Keywords: expungement, record sealing, criminal records, clean slate, automatic expungement, expedited expungement, criminal history, OSBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, deferred judgment, delayed sentence, pardon, pardon and parole board, law enforcement records, sealed records, arrest records, conviction records, reclassification of felony to misdemeanor, reentry, second chance

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab three, Senator Yarbrough, SB 1012, inmate services. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
• That's true of everybody, but especially it can be true of our inmate populations.
• support programs for, to use their inmate trust fund monies to go to support programs for inmate reintegration
• of any kind, and especially child sexual abuse.
• So the mental health in prison is controlled by the mentally ill inmate.

Bills: S0600, S0760, S1012, S1326, S1488, S1536, S1544, S1750

Keywords: bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, Florida statutes, bond conditions, surety, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault

Summary: The committee took up several criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 760 on violations of pretrial release conditions. A strike-all amendment narrowed the bill to make willful violation of a no-contact order a first-degree misdemeanor, authorize warrantless arrest on probable cause, and require detention until first appearance in certain cases. The amendment and the bill, as amended, were both adopted and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1536 on digital voyeurism, which would extend the expectation of privacy to backyards in the surveillance statute; it was reported favorably after brief questions and support from a Florida Smart Justice Alliance witness. Members next considered SB 1012 on inmate services. The bill would expand use of contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust funds for reintegration and facility upgrades, and would require reimbursement for inmate emergency and specialty medical services at Medicaid rates, with telehealth and autonomous APRNs included as options. Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida opposed the bill as written, warning that tying Medicaid participation to treatment of inmates could reduce reimbursement and discourage provider participation, while the Department of Corrections and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported it. Senators discussed costs, aging inmates, and possible future changes, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 600 on bail bond and pretrial release laws after adopting a strike-all that aligned it with the House companion and made technical changes to solicitation, training, and bond reinstatement rules. Public testimony raised concerns about who should receive returned bond money and how clerks would process payments, but the sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined. Later, the committee reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1750 on criminal sexual conduct, which increases penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes, especially those involving children. It also reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1544 on complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers, a bill requiring complainants to provide sworn complaints to officers before interrogation unless corroborating evidence is present; police chiefs and sexual violence advocates opposed parts of the bill, while supporters argued it would protect officers from unfounded complaints. Finally, SB 1488 on booking officer duties regarding minor children of arrested persons was reported favorably, and SB 1326 on prosecution of defamation was taken up for reconsideration with a delete-all amendment that narrowed the insanity defense, limited mitigation for severe mental illness in serious cases, and extended detention periods for incompetent defendants; opposition testimony from defense, public defender, and mental health advocates warned it would worsen treatment and increase costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there was some fear among some of our Second Amendment folks that this statute could be abused
• And if they abuse it, we get rid of them next time. I don't know, you know, you know...
• And if they abuse it, we get rid of them next time.
• Caddo Correctional Center was designed and built to house 1,070 inmates.
• It provides relative to inmates who participate in work release programs.

Bills: HB59, HB74, HB159, HB167, HB175, HB255, HB330, HB364, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB656, HB1033, HB1034, HB1070

Keywords: public defender, funding, district court, East Baton Rouge, judicial expenses, Autism Spectrum Disorder, missing children, law enforcement, public safety, Spectrum Alert, inmate documentation, post-release employment, special identification card, Louisiana Department of Public Safety, reentry services, veterans, veterans services, lottery proceeds, special fund, grant board

Summary: The committee met on April 15, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 656. It then heard HB 74, which would create a Louisiana Spectrum Alert for missing persons with autism. Representative Eccles said the alert would be modeled on Amber and senior alerts and could be absorbed within existing resources. The committee heard strong support from a mother of an autistic child, who described the dangers of elopement and drowning risk, and from members who said the bill could help save lives. HB 74 was reported favorably. Members then considered HB 1033 and HB 1034 by Chairman Bacala. HB 1033 expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include additional facilities such as airports, teleports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, mass transit, government facilities, military installations, and oil and gas exploration platforms; it was reported favorably. HB 1034 authorizes temporary protection zones for up to 72 hours when needed for public safety, with an amendment clarifying that the zones cannot be used in a way inconsistent with state firearms preemption law. The ACLU raised concerns about vagueness, possible overreach, and repeated renewals, while supporters said the bill was meant to address public safety events. The bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also heard HB 59, which would require East Baton Rouge Parish and its municipalities to fund the 19th Judicial District public defender’s office in a manner similar to the district attorney’s office. The author, the public defender, and the district attorney argued the bill would stabilize funding and prevent future political changes from crippling the office, while several members questioned whether it created an unfunded mandate and whether the language was too broad. Despite those concerns, HB 59 was reported favorably. HB 175 was then amended to replace a proposed veterans scratch-off lottery game with a Veterans Service Grant Fund financed by $500,000 annually from lottery net proceeds; supporters said the money would support veteran services and treatment programs, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee passed HB 568, which increases penalties for drug-free school zone violations involving open marijuana use, vaping, or smoking, especially near schools and large events. Supporters said current penalties are too weak to deter visible drug use around children, while opponents warned of over-criminalization and enforcement problems. HB 525, requiring DPS&C to publish incarceration-related data online, was amended to remove parish jail census data after the department said it would publish the rest of the information voluntarily; it was then reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 159, a Caddo Parish pretrial incarceration alternative pilot program, with discussion focused on adding language to ensure electronic monitoring providers comply with existing state requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides relative to temporary release of inmates for limited purposes.
• And unfortunately, in some cases, inmates pass away before the process is finalized.
• It's not just long-term inmates.
• I would say the terminally ill inmates lack mobility and are among the most vulnerable.
• For some, the choice is between homelessness and going back to an abusive situation.

Bills: HB54, HB55, HB125, HB133, HB158, HB161, HB168, HB169, HB191, HB245, HB280, HB296, HB399, HB821, HB995

Keywords: parole, rehabilitation, mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice reform, alternative sentencing, juror confidentiality, public records, criminal procedure, privacy, court disclosure, sex offender, sex offense, child predator, registry, registration, notification, supervised release, probation and parole, juvenile offender

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with HB 95, which updates an older statute on access to videotaped statements of protected persons by allowing electronic access for prosecutors, defense counsel, the court, and other authorized persons. The bill was presented as a modernization of Children’s Code-related procedures, and it received support from child advocacy and defense stakeholders before being reported favorably. HB 55, by Chair Villio, created a new rule protecting juror privacy by prohibiting public disclosure of juror identifying information; District Attorney Tony Clayton described juror harassment and doxing concerns, and the committee adopted a small amendment deleting outdated language about former jurors before reporting the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then heard HB 125 on supervised release of sex offenders, HB 158 on technical probation violations, and HB 169 on extradition costs as a condition of probation or parole. HB 125 was supported by DOC and probation and parole officials, who said the bill clarifies notification and jurisdiction issues for supervised release violations, especially when offenders move out of state; it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 158 would increase the maximum custodial treatment period for certain technical probation violations from 90 to 180 days, but opponents from the ACLU and criminal defense groups argued the language was unclear and could expand jail time beyond the intended treatment setting; the author agreed to work on clarifying language before floor debate, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 169 would make probationers or parolees responsible for extradition costs if able to pay, and it was reported favorably after brief discussion. Representative Newell’s HB 133, dealing with battery of a school teacher and related school-employee protections, drew substantial testimony from educators and prosecutors. The committee adopted a large amendment package that added aggravated and second-degree battery provisions, defined school-related terms, and created juvenile disposition rules and counseling requirements for certain student offenders. Supporters described assaults on teachers and school staff and argued for stronger protections, while district attorneys warned that some amended language—especially the shift to “serious bodily injury” and broad definitions—could make prosecutions harder or create unintended consequences. The author and committee agreed to keep working on the language before floor consideration, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 821, which moves the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, and HB 296, which repeals the inactive Reentry Advisory Council and Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act. Finally, HB 399, as amended, increased the temporary release window for terminally ill or incapacitated inmates from 60 to 120 days. Secretary Westcott and medical and faith-based witnesses said the change would better match the time needed for medical review, placement, and hospice arrangements, while still keeping offenders under maximum supervision and notifying victims; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 168, creating a transitional reentry program for eligible female parolees within six months of release. Supporters from reentry, business, faith, and advocacy groups said structured transitional housing and services reduce recidivism and improve public safety, and the bill moved forward favorably.

Bills: HB303

Keywords: jail standards, living conditions, Harris County jail, safety, inmate welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• threats against family members back home, abductions, enforced disappearances, or assassinations, abuse
• Communist Party reaches here within the United States and abuses the Chinese diaspora, whether or not
• HB 275 strengthens accountability when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child.
• When a child witnesses or is present for abuse, the trauma becomes lifelong.
• When abuse occurs in front of a child, the distinction matters.

Bills: HCR7, HB76, HB84, HB132, HB265, HB275, HB322, HB635, HB808, HB883, HB1054

Keywords: juvenile justice, electronic monitoring, annual report, supervision outcomes, data transparency, inmate release, notification, law enforcement, victims, public safety, hit-and-run, crime of violence, felony, sentencing, battery, sound, intentional harm, physical pain, hearing impairment, video voyeurism

Summary: The committee met on April 8, 2026, with Chair Debbie Villio presiding and a quorum present. Members first advanced HB 322 by Rep. Melancon, which bars fees or costs for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole. The bill was described as a cleanup measure from the prior year and was reported favorably without objection. The committee then heard HB 635 by Rep. Horton on criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations. After a technical amendment, the bill drew extensive support testimony from representatives of State Armor, State Shield, and Convention of States Action, who framed the measure as a response to transnational repression, especially by the Chinese Communist Party, and as a state-level national security and sovereignty issue. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 132 by Rep. Glorioso, which expands battery of a police officer to cover directing sound at officers in a way that can cause pain or hearing impairment, also received an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, while the ACLU, criminal defense lawyers, and other opponents warned it was vague, could chill protest and lawful assembly, and might sweep in parades, music, and other protected expression. After discussion about intent and possible narrowing, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 275 by Rep. Boyd, increasing penalties when domestic violence occurs in the presence of a child. Supporters, including a survivor witness, emphasized the lasting trauma to children who witness abuse. Opponents raised concerns about mandatory minimums and the breadth of the child-presence language, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 808 by Rep. McMahon, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law, was also amended to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical evidence, clarify affirmative defenses, and remove sex-offender-registration provisions from the bill. Medical and advocacy witnesses supported the update as science-based and narrower, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, Chair Villio’s HB 1054, allowing certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements, received support from sheriffs and prosecutors and was reported favorably without objection before the committee recessed while awaiting additional authors.

Transcript Highlights:

• I consider it to have very low abuse potential and very low dependence potential.
• I consider to be very low abuse potential, a very low, a dependence potential, the substance that helps
• Following years of domestic abuse, the magnitude of insight and healing that can emerge has been, and
• But these experiences are powerful and not appropriately Following years of domestic abuse, the magnitude

Bills: HF3454, HF3917, HF2906, HF3832, HF3769

Keywords: social work, licensure, employment titles, health occupations, professional standards, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances, psilocybin, psilocin, psychedelic, psychedelic medicine, hallucinogen, mushrooms, magic mushrooms, therapeutic use

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not help women who are suffering from domestic abuse or have been suffering.
• New Mexico Prison Rape Elimination Act, because every New Mexican deserves protection from sexual abuse
• Act, because every New Mexican deserves protection from sexual abuse.
• As behavioral health providers, we know sexual abuse causes long-lasting trauma.
• This abuse compounds their trauma and undermines the possibility of rehabilitation.

Bills: HB195, HB279, SB30, HB234, HB292, SB100, SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, judgments, independent providers, insurance, personal assets, settlements, healthcare, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records

Transcript Highlights:

• occupations by an inmate at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• We have a Philippi Church ministry that involves over 1,750 inmates.
• I'm wondering if that correlates to the prison system and if there is statistical data showing more inmate-on-inmate
• inmates that are trained in HVAC.
• Inmates are not paid. All right. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Bills: HB1826, HB2854, HB3006, HB4614, HB5261, HB5639

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• This DOC request makes some modifications to time for inmates in the Department of Corrections, specifically

Bills: SB1213, SB1221, SB1636, SB1687, SB1772, SB1932, SB2062

Keywords: SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs, public safety, violent offenders, violent crime exclusions, sex offense exclusions

Transcript Highlights:

• complex sentencing scheme over the many years that very few victims can possibly understand—what an inmate
• I've always been a victim's advocate because I was a victim at 12 of sexual abuse, and then I was a sexual

Bills: HB43, SB81, SB178, SB138, SB89, SB183, HB27, HB188, HB199, HB190, SB117, HB43, HB27

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, custodial sexual misconduct, sexual misconduct, inmate abuse, prisoner exploitation, correctional staff, jail staff, detention center, probation officer, parole officer, Department of Corrections, Department of Youth Services, sheriff, county jail, municipal jail

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to take up Tab 3, Senator Yarbrough's 102 on inmate services by Senator Yarbrough.
• deduction fees from contractor-owned correctional facilities into the contractor-operated institution's inmate
• provider's participation in the Medicaid supplemental reimbursement program be contingent upon treating inmates
• Medicare allowable rate if they enter into an agreement to: one, provide health care services to inmates

Bills: S0760, S1012, S1536, S1582, S1792

Keywords: pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, explaining that the budget rollout would be coordinated with House partners and Senate notice requirements, with the next opportunity expected the following week. The committee then moved to legislation, starting with CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act, which would address willful violations of court-ordered no-contact conditions for defendants on pretrial release for serious violent crimes. The bill had support from the Florida Sheriffs Association, received no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee next considered SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard. The transcript shows the chair moved on before questions or a vote were taken on that bill. The committee then took up CS for SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services, first adopting a leave-filed amendment that revised provisions on inmate welfare trust funds, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth and secure-unit care. Justin Senior of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida testified in information, saying the amendment was a major positive move, and the amended bill was then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that two agenda items were being temporarily postponed: CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned after a motion by Senator Simon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, member's house bill 2929 strengthens mandatory child abuse recording reporting requirements
• , ensuring that any Allegations or abuse by a school employee is reported to law enforcement within 24
• This bill's about being sexually abused as a child.
• it's tough for them to come out and discuss that abuse.
• So, drug and alcohol abuse wouldn't necessarily.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• So most of your domestic people, domestic abuse people, could not pay that amount.
• I'm actually a domestic abuse facilitator. I went and studied all this. I know that.
• I'm actually a domestic abuse facilitator. I went and studied all this. I know that.
• And the number one time to do it is when the abuser gets released on bond, bail, bail.
• Senate Bill 1730 is the Sexual Abuse Reporting Act.

Bills: SB137, SB504, SB1213, SB1216, SB1221, SB1224, SB1232, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1264, SB1266, SB1325, SB1441, SB1448, SB1450, SB1460, SB1496, SB1543, SB1589, SB1597, SB1621, SB1655, SB1679, SB1687, SB1716, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1921, SB1932, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030, SB2084, SB2112, SB2170, SB2182

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Abusers win when domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors are afraid to reach out and get the
• think that ICE will show up at the think that ICE will show up at the doorstep.<00:46:49.520> Abusers
• Abusers win when domestic doorstep.
• Abusers win when domestic violence<00:46:52.000> and<00:46:52.240> sex<00:46:52.480>

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I graduated the next day, and the abuse continued into my early college years.
• <00:07:15.599> continued the next day and the abuse continued the next day and the abuse continued
• <00:07:22.560> and an active participant in my abuse and an active participant in my abuse
• , whether or not the physical abuse actually occurs.
• Waiting for physical abuse means waiting for more harm. This law allows early intervention.

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has to do with invasive searches of female inmates within TDCJ.
• And most of the time, admittedly so, it is male inmates.
• . ...are used whenever there are unclothed female inmates.
• and the child and other inmates and staff.
• Additionally, the bill prohibits inmates charged with... Deferred adjudication.

Bills: HB1826, HB1969, HB2708, HB2729, HB3618, HB4515, HB4764, SB1021, SB1610

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay

Summary: The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So most of your domestic people, domestic abuse people, couldn't... ...ordered that.
• So most of your domestic people, domestic abuse people, could not pay that amount.
• I'm actually a domestic abuse facilitator. I went and studied all this. I know that.
• And within four hours, that woman had died at the hands of her abuser.
• Senate Bill 1730 is the Sexual Abuse Reporting Act.

Bills: SB137, SB504, SB1213, SB1216, SB1221, SB1224, SB1232, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1264, SB1266, SB1325, SB1441, SB1448, SB1450, SB1460, SB1496, SB1543, SB1589, SB1597, SB1621, SB1655, SB1679, SB1687, SB1716, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1921, SB1932, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030, SB2084, SB2112, SB2170, SB2182

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license, Oklahoma Title 43, family law, juvenile justice, Department of Human Services

Summary: The committee heard a long series of Senate bills covering criminal justice, public safety, family law, and administrative changes. Measures discussed included penalties for impersonating a notary or law enforcement officer, consolidating DUI charges, allowing motor carriers to represent themselves at Corporation Commission hearings, drone trespass penalties over critical infrastructure, expanding protections for contract employees under assault and battery laws, copper theft felony penalties, raising the marriage age to 18 with no exceptions, expanding the definition of great bodily injury for domestic abuse cases, post-adoption contact for services, driver’s license and testing changes, expungement system automation delays, consumer protection clarifications, gambling penalty updates, OSBI authority and fee changes, gift card protections, medical parole eligibility decisions, firearm transport on boats, caps on wrongful termination settlements at public institutions, GPS monitoring for certain domestic violence defendants, mandatory school reporting of inappropriate employee contact with students, expedited driver’s license delivery and tracking numbers, DOC credit modifications, drug court discretion, repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording penalties, open pasture signage requirements, supervised visitation after DHS findings of sexual abuse, and victim notification by email from the Pardon and Parole Board. Most bills were presented by members as request or cleanup measures, with brief explanations and limited debate. Several bills drew questions about implementation, due process, costs, and scope, especially the domestic violence GPS monitoring bill and the DOC credit bill. The committee also discussed a bill to lower the age for marriage, which was reported out 10-1, and a domestic violence-related GPS tracking bill that passed 12-0 after questions about monitoring and payment. Another domestic violence bill expanding great bodily injury definitions passed 12-0, and a bill requiring supervised visitation after a DHS sexual abuse finding passed 13-0. Nearly all measures were reported out with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including multiple 11-0, 12-0, 13-0, and 14-0 recommendations. A few bills had split votes, including the marriage-age bill at 10-1, the gambling penalty bill at 12-1, the OSBI record-check fee bill at 13-0, and the wrongful termination cap bill at 8-5. Several bills were laid over for a later meeting, and the committee adjourned after announcing it would continue work on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• that has come to my attention from a multitude of my counties when it comes to the incarceration of inmates
• You can only sue the county that had placed the inmate into the jail.

Bills: HB3790, HB2941, HB2959, HB3087, HB3974, HB3500, HB3697, HB3262, HB3582, HB4226, HB3037, HB4139, HB4143, HB4144, HB2936, HB3322, HB4296, HB3278, HB4202, HB4176, HB3303, HB3648, HB4119

Keywords: home repairs, consumer protection, contracts, homeowner rights, rescission, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent