The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard HB 1328 on the Department of Local Government Finance. The bill, authored by Rep. Snow and sponsored by Sen. Bassler and Sen. Deery, was amended in Committee to add the same language found in SB 33 that limits use of the judicial local income tax that was passed in 2023 to “courtroom costs” for staffing the court reporter, bailiff, or … [Read more...] about Department of Local Government Finance
Forensic diversion and drug courts
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1418 concerning forensic diversion and drug courts sponsored by Sen. Bohacek. The author, Rep. Goss-Reaves, explained that the bill provides that a pregnant woman charged with a drug crime may be referred to a forensic diversion program or a drug court at an initial hearing. The bill was amended by consent to … [Read more...] about Forensic diversion and drug courts
Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1422 concerning trafficking of harmful substances in jails sponsored by Sen. Carrasco. The author, Rep. Pierce, explained the bill defines "chemical intoxicant" and increases the penalty for trafficking with an inmate to a Level 5 felony if the trafficked article is a chemical intoxicant. The Department of … [Read more...] about Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
Interference with boundary marker
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 36 concerning interference with boundary marker sponsored by Rep. King. The author, Sen. Doriot, explained that the bill creates a civil penalty for a person who knowingly or intentionally disturbs or removes a boundary marker, and permits a court to order a person who disturbs or removes a boundary marker to pay for the … [Read more...] about Interference with boundary marker
Bail and release review commission
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 70 concerning bail and release review commission sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald. The author, Sen. Koch, explained that the bill would establish a temporary executive branch commission (sunsets June 30, 2026) with sixteen statutorily outlined members staffed by the office of the Governor. The membership includes four legislative m … [Read more...] about Bail and release review commission