Transcript Highlights:

• considered most serious offenses as persistent offenders as well.
• considered most serious offenses as persistent offenders as well.
• In 2019, robbery in the second degree was removed from the list of most serious offenses.
• In 2019, robbery in the second degree was removed from the list of most serious offenses.
• People who have multiple times committed most serious offenses like rape of a child.

Bills: SB5873, SB5895, SB5945

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, persistent offender, three strikes, resentencing, juvenile conviction, youth offender, juvenile sentencing, life without parole, LWOP, most serious offense, sentencing reform

Summary: The committee began with a Department of Corrections work session focused on agency operations, culture change, and reentry. Secretary Tim Lang highlighted staff safety, the department’s “Washington Way” rehabilitation approach, improved visitation through the Reimagined Visiting Project, expanded community-corrections sanctions, and efforts to reduce contraband and improve treatment. Assistant Secretary Danielle Armbruster described progress on corrections education, transportation support at release, and expanded partial confinement and reentry pathways. Assistant Secretary David Flynn outlined health services modernization, behavioral health standards work with the Department of Health, HIPAA and electronic health record preparation, Medicaid waiver implementation, and budget requests for opioid use disorder treatment, close-custody capacity, and custody staffing relief. The new Office of Correction Ombuds director, Jeremiah Bourgeois, described the office’s limited resources, his intent to prioritize serious complaints, and recent reports and investigations, including a women’s prison use-of-force review that led DOC to adopt all recommended reforms. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5895, which would expand extraordinary medical placement eligibility when DOC cannot meet an incarcerated person’s serious medical needs. Supporters, including family members, Disability Rights Washington, and the League of Women Voters, said the current law is too restrictive and that the bill would provide a humane, medically appropriate alternative for people with serious illness while maintaining public safety. DOC testified that it supports the overall framework but has concerns about how the bill defines “basic medical care needs” and how the agency would determine when care cannot be delivered as required by law. A correctional physician suggested the bill could be improved by extending the prognosis window and using more flexible language. The bill was then heard and public testimony closed. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5873 on escorted leaves of absence. The bill would create a new escorted-leave category for reentry and rehabilitative purposes, while also updating family definitions for funeral and bedside visits and retaining existing security and reimbursement requirements. Chair Wilson said the goal is to support a “slow release” and help people practice everyday tasks and community navigation before release. Testimony from the Reentry Council, DOC, and Amend at UCSF supported the bill as consistent with evidence-based reentry practice and international models; DOC noted implementation may require some future resources. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 5945, which would change the persistent offender statute so only convictions occurring after age 18 count toward a mandatory life sentence and would require resentencing for affected people, including those currently incarcerated. Supporters argued the bill aligns with youth brain-development research and would address racial disparities, while prosecutors and victim advocates opposed it, saying it would reopen painful cases, undermine finality for victims, and create fiscal and workload burdens. Public testimony on that bill continued with both support and opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• serious offense and was under 18 years of age on the offense date.
• serious offense and was under 18 years of age on the offense date.
• from resentencing if they've been convicted of a serious violent offense, a violent offense, or a sex
• considered as a most serious offense at any age as persistent offenders.
• considered a most serious offense.

Bills: SB5873, SB5895, SB5911, SB5940, SB5942, SB5945, SB5957, SB5966

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met in executive session to review several bills, with staff briefing members on measures related to incarcerated individuals, DCYF foster youth programs, extraordinary medical placements, persistent offender resentencing, the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, and medically tailored meals. Chair Wilson announced that Senate Bill 5942 on the DCYF Oversight Board would be held until the following week for additional stakeholder input. The committee also noted fiscal impacts on several bills, including costs for foster youth housing, Social Security benefit protections, and resentencing-related local government expenses. The committee took up Senate Bill 5873 on escorted leaves of absence for incarcerated individuals and adopted only Amendment A1, a technical fix to the definition of immediate family. A series of Christian amendments to restrict eligibility, require electronic monitoring, limit duration and location, impose liability, require more staffing, add funding contingencies, narrow family definitions, and mandate restraints were all rejected. The committee then adopted the proposed substitute and advanced the bill to Rules. For Senate Bill 5895 on extraordinary medical placements, the committee rejected amendments that would have barred placements after recent serious infractions, required physician specialty qualifications, limited eligibility for those not in rehabilitative programming, added reporting and Washington-only placement requirements, and required sentencing court review. The proposed substitute was adopted and the bill was referred to Ways and Means. On Senate Bill 5911, the committee adopted Amendment C1 to place youth Social Security funds into protected accounts such as ABLE accounts, then advanced the bill as amended to Ways and Means. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 5940 on an extended foster care housing pilot after discussion of eligibility and program limits, and Senate Bill 5945 on persistent offender resentencing after rejecting amendments related to retroactivity, victim notice, ISRB review, programming participation, and exclusions for serious offenses; the bill was sent onward subject to signatures. Senate Bill 5957 on adding positions to the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee and Senate Bill 5966 on medically tailored meals were also discussed, with the latter receiving proposed amendments on provider type, administrative limits, and a funding contingency, though the transcript ends before final action on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• It restores CPP for those that have committed a sexually violent offense as defined in Chapter 71.09,
• under Chapter 9A.44 or a sexually violent offense as defined in RCW 71.09.02.
• under charge. any other services if the person has been convicted of a sex offense under Chapter 9A44
• or a sexually violent offense as defined in R.C.W. 71.092O2O.
• These are some of the folks who need our help the most.

Bills: HB2510, SGA9305

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• . $25 is just not enough to meet most hygienic needs, notwithstanding the purchase of stamp envelopes
• Persons convicted of certain offenses can be required to serve a period of time on community custody,
• and there's a list of gross misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses in the bill report that require
• and there's a list of gross misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses in the bill report that require
• Because of a gap in how our system treats stalking when serious mental illness is involved.

Bills: HB2510

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• serious sex offenses from the...
• I have that comes later that excludes the most serious sex offenses from the provisions of this bill.
• serious offenses.
• for the most serious crimes.
• sex... ...in the first degree and in the second degree or serious sex offenses added to this to create

Bills: SB5917, SB6080, SB6085, SB5940, SB5945, SB5957, SB5966

Keywords: abortion medications, reproductive health, mifepristone, misoprostol, abortion access, medication abortion, early pregnancy loss, miscarriage management, Department of Corrections, Department of Health, health care providers, health care entities, Indian health care providers, pharmacy distribution, wholesale distribution, reproductive rights, women's health, emergency clause, immediate effect, public health

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5917 would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles, removing the current requirement that they be sold at cost plus a $5 fee and allowing broader, more flexible distribution to health care providers and entities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, the Governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, and advocacy groups, said the change would prevent expiration of existing stockpiles and improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care. Opponents argued the bill would effectively give away state-purchased drugs, raised constitutional and taxpayer concerns, and objected to abortion medication distribution. No vote was taken on SB 5917 in the hearing portion described. The committee also heard SB 6080, which would require written federal contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody, require reimbursement of full detention costs, and prohibit contracts for people transported across state lines absent a valid judicial warrant. The sponsor said the bill responds to a Clark County situation involving out-of-state detainees and is intended to create clarity, accountability, and local control. Support came from local government and immigrant-rights advocates, while the sheriffs’ association raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and the practicality of requiring contracts in all cases. The hearing then moved to SB 6085, which would revise the institutional welfare account (formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund) to require more feedback from incarcerated people and families, annual reporting, and changes to allowable uses. The sponsor and DOC supported the bill’s intent, while the reentry council and DOC raised concerns about law library funding and the use of funds for reentry services. The committee also took executive action on other bills: a proposed substitute for SB 5940 was adopted and sent to Ways and Means after several amendments were rejected; SB 5957 passed to the Rules Committee; and SB 5966 on medically tailored meals passed to the Rules Committee after one amendment failed and members noted a floor amendment would be offered to address small-business participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• violent offense or a Class A felony sex offense, committed on or after July 1st, 2026, from 33.33% to
• serious offenses in our criminal code, class I sex offenses and serious violent offenses, that those
• , again, are serious violent offenses and sex offenses: murder one, murder two, homicide, rape, child
• , again, are serious violent offenses and sex offenses, murder one, murder two, homicide, rape, child
• I think most of the...

Bills: HB1239, HB2310, HB2490, HB2508, HB2510, HB2532, HB2539

Keywords: reentry, reentry readiness, recidivism, earned release time, good time credits, graduated reentry, community custody, partial confinement, home detention, work release, electronic monitoring, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, corrections, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, sentencing, release date recalculation, transition services

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on February 2, 2026, to consider several bills. Staff summarized House Bills 1239, 2310, 2490, 2508, 2510, 2532, and 2539, along with proposed substitutes and amendments. HB 1239 would expand earned release time and add a DOC pilot program for incarcerated survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence; HB 2310 would elevate certain fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation cases to a felony for repeat offenders; HB 2490 would revise extraordinary medical placement criteria; HB 2508 would expand Office of Independent Investigations reporting and access rules; HB 2510 would require DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking; HB 2532 would make nitrous oxide distribution a gross misdemeanor with exemptions; and HB 2539 would raise the inmate indigency threshold and, in the substitute, retain only that increase. The committee took action on amendments to HB 1239, rejecting amendments that would have extended supervision for earned early release, reduced the maximum earned release percentage for serious violent and Class A sex offenses, and barred earned release time from being used if parole is later established. It adopted amendments excluding sexual motivation enhancements from earned release calculations and adding a second pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton. The committee then reported out Substitute HB 1239 on a 5-4 vote, with members split over public safety, victim impact, and sentence length concerns. HB 2310, HB 2508, HB 2510, HB 2532, and HB 2539 were all reported out with do pass recommendations, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 2508 was amended to narrow and clarify reporting requirements for non-deadly force incidents and in-custody deaths. HB 2532 was amended to add a veterinary care exemption for nitrous oxide. HB 2539’s substitute, which removed the telephone-services provision and kept only the indigency-threshold increase from $25 to $100, passed 6-3. The committee deferred action on HB 2490 and announced it would return to the remaining bills the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• of those, most of that information that we garner from somebody that’s involved in criminal activity
• , especially with a weapons offense, happens before the charging and before the conviction.
• So once During a drug offense, for example, those are all singular crimes. So one gun, one count.
• In terms of the language that is used there, that language Mandatory offense.
• to a class two felony for the specified offense.

Bills: HB2043, HB2044, HB2108, HB2131, HB2132

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, abandonment, concealment, dead body, class 5 felony, criminal offense, unlawful flight, eluding police, fleeing law enforcement, police pursuit, vehicle pursuit, reckless endangerment, felony enhancement, class 4 felony, class 2 felony

Transcript Highlights:

• Most recently, I served as chief of staff at the U.S.
• Most of my career has been focused on working with legislators.
• And teenage me tried to capture in my journal that yearning that I felt looking at the most beautiful
• that have the smallest voices, are often the least heard, the ones that need us the most.
• I have some serious reservations on this particular bill.

Bills: SB6062, SB6080, SB6184, SB6224, SB6255, SB6286, SB6308, SB6319, SB5977, SB5979, SB6249, SGA9299

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, contracts, jails, federal custody, municipal agreements, incarceration, law enforcement, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee first held a confirmation hearing for Angela Ramirez, the governor’s appointee to lead the Department of Social and Health Services. Ramirez described her background in public service and said her priorities would include improving technology and electronic records, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening communication with the legislature, and protecting DSHS programs and services. The Lieutenant Governor also spoke in strong support of her confirmation. No vote was taken on the appointment during this meeting. The committee then took executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6062, concerning juvenile rehabilitation capacity, midpoint reviews, and transfer/release rules, was amended and advanced to Ways and Means after all six proposed amendments from Senator Christian failed. Senate Bill 6308, dealing with shelter care conditions for young children in dependency cases, was amended with a tribal-clarification amendment and passed to Ways and Means; several amendments to add staffing, removal, or safety requirements failed. Senate Bill 6319, creating a community referral pathway for high-risk families involving high-potency synthetic opioids, was amended to require referral within seven days and passed to Ways and Means after other proposed amendments failed. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6286, which authorizes Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities and creates an account for related community repair assistance, sending it to Ways and Means after rejecting amendments that would have limited inspections or fines. Senate Bill 6080, governing jails that hold people in federal custody and related contracts, was amended and sent to Rules after all proposed amendments failed. Finally, Senate Bill 6184, an agency-request bill making technical and programmatic updates, was held over for action the next day. Throughout the session, Senator Christian offered multiple amendments emphasizing victim notice, child safety, staffing, transparency, and limits on transfers or detention, but most were rejected by the committee majority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we ready to go, or do we want to have a—let’s just give us about three, five minutes at the most.
• I've included in the bill report a list of all sexually violent offenses.
• and do an investigation to determine its line of sight, its distance from parks, from schools, from most
• Residents with disabilities have additional providers a lot of times, including providers for serious
• Residents with disabilities have additional providers a lot of times, including providers for serious

Bills: SB6339, SB6184, SB6224, SB6255, SB5977, SB5979, SB6249, SB6007, SB6186, SGA9299

Keywords: alternative placements, individual ownership, restrictive policies, healthcare, operational control, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction, intergenerational poverty, WorkFirst, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, self-sufficiency, economic justice

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day to finish executive action on several bills and then hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 6339. In executive session, the committee advanced Senate Bill 6224, which creates a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council and an executive coordination officer, sending it to Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6255, which updates the Lupro poverty-reduction task force and related council duties, was amended and passed to Rules. Senate Bills 5977 (near-fatality reports), 5979 (in-home dependencies), and 6249 (DOC supervision for stalking convictions) also passed, with 5977 and 6249 sent to Rules and 5979 sent to Rules as well. Senate Bill 6007, directing WSIPP to evaluate child welfare screening and risk assessment tools, was amended and sent to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. The committee then waived the five-day notice rule to hear Senate Bill 6339, which would require that a less restrictive alternative placement for a sexually violent predator be owned and operated by the same person or persons providing or monitoring treatment. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, the City of Kennewick, and several residents, argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, especially in response to a proposed placement in Kennewick near schools and homes. Opponents, including the Department of Social and Health Services, public defense attorneys, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making release to the community unrealistic. Committee members asked questions about liability, supervision, and how LRAs are currently reviewed and monitored. Agency witnesses explained that DOC investigates proposed LRA sites, that residents remain under conditions and monitoring, and that ownership and treatment are typically separate functions. The chair closed the hearing without taking action on Senate Bill 6339, saying more work and discussion were needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a misdemeanor offense.
• , sex offense against a child, or crime against persons.
• Like most 27-year-olds, he was figuring his life out.
• Like most 27-year-olds, he was figuring his life out.
• For the offense of stalking, a person commits the offense if, without lawful authority, the person commits

Bills: HB2146, HB2349, HB2430, HB2457, HB2510, HB2532

Keywords: sexual exploitation, minors, human trafficking, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, sexually violent predator, SVP, civil commitment, community notification, release notification, conditional release, unconditional discharge, escape notification, victim notification, witness notification, prosecuting attorney, Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Department of Corrections

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several public safety bills. House Bill 2146 would expand the sexual exploitation of a minor statute to cover causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct when that conduct is photographed or performed live. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and said current law often leaves only misdemeanor charges such as indecent exposure or communication with a minor for immoral purposes. They argued the bill would better address grooming behavior, allow felony-level investigation and forensic interviews, and provide stronger sentencing and no-contact consequences. No vote was taken. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as legislators, county leaders, and city officials. The sponsor said the bill would codify and standardize a practice that had been occurring inconsistently and would help officials respond to community questions with accurate information. Cities and DSHS supported the bill with technical amendments, while defense attorneys opposed it, warning that broader notice could undermine law enforcement’s role, fuel public pressure against releases, and create constitutional and safety concerns. The hearing was left open. The committee also heard House Bills 2430 and 2457 together on the crime victim penalty assessment. HB 2430 would restore the assessment for certain offenses, while HB 2457 would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Sponsors and victim advocates said the 2023 changes left victim services underfunded and caused severe staffing cuts, while prosecutors said the bills would help restore constitutionally required victim services. Defense and legal aid groups opposed both bills, arguing they would reimpose burdensome fees on people who cannot pay and worsen reentry barriers. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal before executive action. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide devices or canisters, while exempting medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters, including tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s office, public health officials, and the Washington Poison Center, described rising misuse, youth-targeted marketing, serious injuries, and deaths, and said the bill would reduce access and protect public health. A veterinary group asked for clarification on animal care uses. The hearing was held open. Finally, House Bill 2510 would require DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking who are sentenced to community custody. The sponsor said stalking is a serious crime against persons and that supervision is needed to hold offenders accountable and protect victims; the hearing began but no action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• response to a constituent issue that revealed a significant gap in care for some of our New Mexico's most
• This is most apparent, in my opinion... ...in our Native American population.
• We need pediatric palliative care providers and teams to help us provide the best care, the most humane
• care, and the most effective and efficient care for struggling families with sick children.
• If we, as a community, want to provide our children with the best care possible when they face serious

Bills: SJR1, SM2

Keywords: school elections, partisan elections, voting rights, constitutional amendment, New Mexico, elector registration, pediatric palliative care, pediatric hospice, Medicaid, state plan amendment, Health Care Authority, children with serious illness, life-limiting conditions, complex medical conditions, curative care, concurrent care, family-centered care, hospice services, managed care, pain management

Bills: SB43, SB50, SB145, SM2

Keywords: parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement, training requirements, mental health, domestic abuse, child abuse, public safety, crisis intervention, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, pediatric palliative care

Bills: SB43, SB50, SB145, SM2

Keywords: parole, life imprisonment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, victim rights, law enforcement, training requirements, mental health, domestic abuse, child abuse, public safety, crisis intervention, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, pediatric palliative care

Bills: SB35

Keywords: child custody, criminal offense, law enforcement, penal code, parenting

Transcript Highlights:

• Supreme Court from 2005 on repeatedly prohibited the most serious punishments for juvenile offenders
• Supreme Court from 2005 on repeatedly prohibited the most serious punishments for juvenile offenders
• So we are keeping the young people who are the most serious offenders that are a public safety risk,
• There are also certain serious offenses that are excluded from eligibility for option B and option C.
• These are not minor offenses.

Bills: SB6062

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on January 26 for a work session on juvenile rehabilitation and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured national and state perspectives on juvenile justice trends, including testimony from NCSL on nationwide reforms such as limits on juvenile life without parole, expanded diversion, due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes to juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about whether juvenile crime has risen since 2020 and how other states are handling overcrowding and age-of-jurisdiction issues. DCYF Juvenile Rehabilitation Assistant Secretary Jennifer Redmond and Green Hill Superintendent Harold Wright described DCYF’s behavior management system, Harbor Heights, Green Hill population pressures, community transition services, staffing changes, and an ombuds process. They said Harbor Heights has eased overcrowding somewhat, Green Hill’s population has stabilized but remains high, and the new behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability. Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello then described long-running juvenile justice reforms in Pierce County, including reduced detention use, lower racial disparities, expanded community-based programming, and plans for a new juvenile justice center because the current facility is outdated. Northwest Credible Messengers also presented on healing-centered engagement, behavioral health, reentry support, and community-based violence intervention, emphasizing culturally responsive services and peer mentorship. The committee then took up Senate Bill 6062, which would expand and modify juvenile sentencing alternatives, require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless specific findings are made, expand appeal rights and midpoint review procedures, and create rules for managing JR facility capacity, including transfer authority when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee adopted a motion to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bills 6319 and 5979 for a later hearing. During public testimony on SB 6062, Green Hill youth testified in support of rehabilitation-focused sentencing but urged clearer standards and cautioned against DOC transfers before age 25. DCYF supported reducing JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding. Green Hill Superintendent Wright said the bill would help create needed breathing room and better programming, while the sponsor said the bill modernizes the system, addresses overcrowding, and balances accountability with rehabilitation.

Bills: HB19

Keywords: real property, theft, fraud, criminal offense, elderly, disabled, restitution, recording requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in addition, we have provisions in the bill, new bill, that creates an offense of real property theft
• , uh, so to start off, uh, in 2025, a, a couple in Harris County was accused of, quote, one of the most
• Most documents are filed through e-file or e-recording. Those are already vetted industries.
• In most cases, the notary is a tool.
• Yeah, so that is available depending on the facts, but not necessarily to this offense.

Bills: SB15

Keywords: real property, fraud, theft, elderly, disabled, statute of limitations, criminal offense, property rights

Transcript Highlights:

• A statutory grid establishes the standard sentencing range for a particular offense based on the offense
• Importantly, this does not apply to the most serious offenses, such as murder, rape, and certain violent
• This is a major change to the standard range sentence for all but the most serious violent offenses.
• serious offenses, the most egregious or most repetitive behaviors.
• serious offenses, the most egregious or most repetitive behaviors.

Bills: HB2389, HB2456

Keywords: juvenile justice, youth sentencing, juvenile rehabilitation, DCYF, Department of Children Youth and Families, community supervision, community transition services, suspended disposition, less restrictive alternative, sentencing grid, juvenile confinement, juvenile prison, rehabilitation, recidivism, mental health treatment, substance use disorder, chemical dependency, trauma-informed care, racial disparities, equity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2456, which would create a juvenile firearm early intervention alternative for youth charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. Staff explained that the bill would allow dismissal after successful completion of a prosecutor-approved, 12-month intensive supervision program with searches, therapy, mentorship, and regular court reviews, funded by a $100 increase to concealed pistol license fees. The prime sponsor said the bill is meant to fill the gap between arrest and final case resolution and to provide a cautious, evidence-based intervention; one member questioned whether the CPL fee increase functioned more like a tax than a fee. The chair then held further testimony on that bill. The committee then took extensive testimony on House Bill 2389, which would expand suspended disposition alternatives and other community-based options for juveniles, broaden eligibility for some offenses including robbery and assault, require mid-sentence review hearings, reduce some robbery standard ranges, and add juvenile rehabilitation capacity and emergency transfer provisions. Supporters, including youth currently or formerly in juvenile facilities, defense advocates, restorative justice groups, and some judges, argued the bill would reduce overcrowding, address racial disparities, improve rehabilitation, and give judges more individualized options. Several witnesses described personal experiences with trauma, incarceration, and the benefits of treatment and community support, while researchers testified that juvenile incarceration has limited rehabilitative value and that periodic review can improve outcomes. Opponents and those testifying with concerns, including prosecutors, sheriffs, county officials, juvenile court administrators, DCYF, and victims or victim advocates, argued the bill would shift burdens to counties without adequate funding, add appeals and hearings, and reduce accountability for serious offenses. They warned that the first part of the bill would effectively lower many standard ranges to local sanctions for offenses such as robbery, assault, arson, and drive-by shooting, and said community-based resources and staffing are not in place statewide. DCYF and Green Hill staff said overcrowding has improved but emergency transfer authority is still needed, while some witnesses urged changes to preserve revocation tools, clarify transfer standards, and add resources before expanding community placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• The most important for us is a five to three.
• I</c><00:04:14.720><c> I</c><00:04:15.040><c> think</c><00:04:15.120><c> what</c><00:04:15.360><c> most
• </c><00:04:15.599><c> of</c> thing right and I I think what most of thing right and I I think what most
• </c> automatic felony I think in most cases. automatic felony I think in most cases.
• You're familiar with this bill, the absconding for criminal purposes offense.

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most that I have talked to members about, um, we are good... ...talked to members about.
• So in my mind, and I think most people would agree, as long as you are preventing the practice of nickel
• We just want to let you know this is a very serious issue.
• Intelligent, but I have no idea what most of these—what would you refer to them as? Substances.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program