Video & Transcript Research : 'work release'

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • First, it modifies earned release time eligibility and allows earned release time of up to a third of
  • release is raised to 33%?
  • under current law on earned early release are supervised.
  • So I conceptually support having an option for early release.
  • So I conceptually support having an option for early release.
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.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, and so she handled, I don't know if it was worked on a trial, but she definitely worked on an appeal
  • </c><00:02:18.319><c> through</c> I I just hope that we can work through I I just hope that we can work
  • ><c> and</c> she definitely worked on an appeal and she definitely worked on an appeal and she<00:04:
  • H how would that work?
  • </c> for probation, parole, discharge or work for probation, parole, discharge or work release<01:33:
Bills: HF1567, HF2809, HF3380
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 31st, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's been a pleasure working with you over the years.
  • It's been a pleasure working with you over the years.
  • work through.
  • We are working with a lot of different stakeholders.
  • I work with Teamsters 117.
Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and began with a decision to postpone all executive session action until the following Monday because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups. The committee first heard staff and sponsor remarks on House Bill 2558, which would narrow and restructure the mental health sentencing alternative. Staff explained that the bill would replace the current “serious mental illness” standard with a psychotic disorder standard, add eligibility restrictions for some domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, require more detailed DOC reports, lengthen community custody in some cases, require regular progress hearings, and shift HCA funding from reimbursement to contracting with providers. Sponsor Rep. Amy Wallen described the bill as a response to misuse of the current program in domestic violence and other violent cases, saying it should be refocused on people with profound mental illness tied to the offense. Public testimony on HB 2558 was held over for later in the meeting. The committee then took extensive testimony on House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with two new pathways: a pretrial deferral and a suspended sentence option. Staff said the bill would allow eligible first-time felony offenders to avoid a conviction if they complete conditions, with strong presumptions in favor of relief and eligibility expanded to some offenses such as second-degree assault and robbery, while excluding violent, sex, DUI, and certain drug offenses. The sponsor, Rep. Darya Farivar, said the bill is intended to improve rehabilitation and make the program more meaningful by allowing dismissal for successful completion, and she noted additional exclusions and technical changes were still being worked on. Supporters included public defense, immigration advocates, economists, judges, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, and a youth advocate, who emphasized reduced recidivism, better employment outcomes, and immigration consequences of a conviction. Opponents from sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocacy groups raised concerns about including serious offenses, the lack of prosecutor consent, victim safety, and whether the bill would create uneven treatment across jurisdictions. Several witnesses and members also discussed whether the bill should be narrowed further, and the sponsor said she would remove the strong presumption language after a judge testified that it was a concern. The committee next heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from employing people hired as sworn ICE officers on or after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively to hiring after October 1, 2026. Sponsor Rep. Tarra Simmons said the bill responds to community fear about ICE tactics and is meant to prevent hiring people she views as having participated in rights violations. Members questioned whether the bill was discriminatory and whether background-check reforms would be a better approach. The committee then moved to House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE enforcement activity to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, attempt to identify the federal officer, and avoid escalation; it also would require state representation and indemnification for officers acting in compliance. Sponsor Rep. Mary Fosse said the bill is meant to protect both communities and local officers and is still being narrowed with stakeholders. Testimony was mixed: the State Patrol and Teamsters 117 said many of the requirements align with existing practices and could help document incidents, while the sheriffs’ and police chiefs’ association warned that the bill could discourage federal officers from seeking local assistance and asked for softer language and stronger indemnification. The committee ran out of time and ended further testimony without taking final action on the bills.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • But not released. They would not be released.
  • I'm working with them on this bill.
  • They worked on this all summer to get this bill to where it is, so our staff does not just work during
  • I'm going to continue throughout this year to work with the sheriffs to see if we can work this for next
  • I would just say that if we prepare people before release, they will succeed after release.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Ways and Means Committee 4/7/25

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • And costs for the return to work order.
  • So um their return to working virtually.
  • Chair, Representative No, work. Uh Mr.
  • </c> commend you for that work in that area. commend you for that work in that area.
  • </c> work with MINDOT. work with MINDOT.
Bills: HF3006, HF2130, HF1290
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 18th, 2026

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the time to be taken off work.
  • </c> Alabama has been awesome to work with. Alabama has been awesome to work with.
  • Um, the work that I did was great work, but it had zero to do with education.
  • </c> actually worked while I was in college. actually worked while I was in college.
  • ,</c> Um, the work that I did was great work, Um, the work that I did was great work, but<00:42:24.720
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Uh and there's a lot of development work Uh and there's a lot of development work that<00:10:25.040
  • And, you know, we're working right now with NRI to scope work to help support this learning that we need
  • </c> of uh knowhow manufacturing and working of uh knowhow manufacturing and working with<00:30:37.120
  • </c><00:35:48.880><c> Joe</c> in the past few years and the work Joe in the past few years and the work
  • </c> works quite well in our mind. works quite well in our mind.
Bills: HF4059, HF76
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, we do want to make this work.
  • So, we do want to make this work.
  • </c><00:24:51.840><c> Um</c><00:24:52.640><c> and</c> you can work on? Um and you can work on?
  • </c> >> I guess my question is, if it works the way it was supposed to work and it's contingent on the
  • </c> for work, they are in violation. for work, they are in violation.
Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • That will be worked on. I before E, I before C. Okay, thank you. All right.
  • </c><00:04:14.159><c> our</c> all of us utilities uh try to work our all of us utilities uh try to work
  • </c> utilities are doing the generation work utilities are doing the generation work they're<00:32:32.120
  • But he did ask that, and we enjoy working with the folks here in Minnesota.
  • </c><01:18:21.239><c> on</c> that we have that are um working on that we have that are um working on
Bills: HF75
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are going to work with our House partners and commence the budget process as soon as possible.
  • CS for SB 760 is the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act. This bill is focused and narrow.
  • But we really appreciate the movement here, and we'll continue working with it.
  • It's still a work in progress. I appreciate Mr. Senior. Thank you, Chair.
  • It's still a work in progress. I appreciate Mr.
Bills: S0760, S1012, S1536, S1582, S1792
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.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> released outcomes. It's very lengthy. released outcomes. It's very lengthy.
  • As part of the release plan, DOC works on court-obligated payments.
  • It is a really to work on this.
  • She said she appreciates the work so far and they will continue working on the bill.
  • and we'll continue working work this far and we'll continue working on<00:42:41.760><c> the</c><00:42
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • CS for SB 760 is the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act. This bill is focused narrowly.
  • But we really appreciate the movement here, and we'll continue working with it.
  • It's still a work in progress. I appreciate Mr.
  • It's still a work in progress. I appreciate Mr. Senior Thank you, Chair.
  • It's still a work in progress. I appreciate Mr.
Bills: S0760, S1012, S1536, S1582, S1792
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I've worked with both groups.
  • This is not a blanket release program.
  • It provides relative to inmates who participate in work release programs.
  • release programs.
  • in the work release program.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So how do we get the samples of the work?
  • If y'all are comfortable... ...and distribute to the work group.
  • Madam Chair, Chair, members of the work group.
  • But I think that we had decided to... ...of the work.
  • You have a great work group here. I see. I see. You have a great work group here. I see. I see.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 18th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • I worked on these amendments with State Police.
  • And once again, I worked directly with State Police to come up with some language to do that.
  • And once again, I worked directly with State Police to come up with some language to do that.
  • Thank you for working so hard to make those accommodations. Thank you, Representative. Thank you.
  • But I'm trying to be reasonable, listening to the tow truck people and working a balanced approach.
Bills: HCR96, SB431
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 431 by Senator Foil. The bill, as amended in the House, would apply only to non-consensual private-property tows and require towing companies to have someone available on weekends to release vehicles within 90 minutes of a call if they want to charge storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Senator Foil said the measure was intended to help vehicle owners retrieve cars and belongings sooner, while not forcing companies to stay open; Lieutenant John Nelson of Louisiana State Police explained that payment would still occur at the yard and that the bill did not change the fee structure. Amy Seals of Riverside Towing opposed the bill, citing safety concerns, burdens on office staff, and fairness issues because it would not cover police-initiated tows; she suggested limiting weekend release hours to daytime. Despite her concerns, the committee moved SB 431 favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 96 by Representative Adams, which urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, to provide educational materials on proper roundabout use. Adams said the resolution was meant to help drivers in smaller parishes and elsewhere who struggle with roundabouts. Several members supported the idea, noting confusion about roundabout navigation in their areas, and one member asked whether driver education already covers the topic. The resolution was moved favorably without objection. Before adjourning, the chair recognized a new DOTD staff member and a visitor from the Florida Women’s Republican group. Representative Spells then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

FinanceAudio only. May 27th, 2025

Finance

Bills: HB1057
Summary: The Senate committee met, established a quorum, and took up House Bill 1057, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Adam Hinojosa. Hinojosa explained that the bill would expand the amount of prior industry experience that can count toward TRS and salary step credit for career and technology education teachers, increasing the cap from two years to five years. He said the change is intended to help recruit and fairly compensate skilled professionals such as electricians, nurses, welders, and programmers, and to address teacher shortages beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. No members asked questions, and no one signed up to testify. The committee then voted to report HB 1057 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed unanimously, 13 ayes and 0 nays, and the chair announced the committee would stand recessed subject to call.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Given all of this reality of an economy that's working well for the billionaire class, but not for working
  • When you compare right-to-work states with non-right-to-work states, you see that the right-to-work states
  • The right to work is a fundamental tenet of labor laws where states have a right to work.
  • do this important work.
  • to be a right-to-work state.
Summary: The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/09/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • In working with the tribes over the interim, they have been phenomenal to work with, and I think that
  • We're happy to work with our tribal partners.
  • And in working with the tribes over the interim, they have been phenomenal to work with.
  • We're happy to work with our tribal partners.
  • You know, my work years of working in the emergency department, I'll never forget this one case: a woman