Votes at a glance: Judiciary Committee advances several public‑safety and criminal‑justice bills
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Summary
The committee voted several bills out of committee by voice vote, including measures on self‑defense immunity (HB 12 26), state FTO prosecutions (HB 675), special‑prosecutor pay (HB 35), personal‑service for warrant applications (HB 1131), and pimping/trafficking penalty enhancement (HB 1075).
The House Judiciary Committee recorded a series of voice votes advancing multiple bills during a packed hearing. Key outcomes reflected in the committee record include:
- House Bill 12 26 (self‑defense immunity): Committee passed the bill after rejecting a Panish amendment to require a 90‑day immunity hearing.
- House Bill 675 (state prosecution for designated foreign terrorist organizations): Passed out to Rules; sponsor will provide a list of designated organizations and coordinate with the attorney general’s office.
- House Bill 35 (special prosecutors’ pay): Passed; sponsor described an hourly raise and increased staff rates up to $110/hour.
- House Bill 1131 (personal service for warrant applications): Passed; sponsor said the bill retains judge‑approved alternative service language to avoid unintended delays.
- House Bill 1075 (pimping felony enhancement for prior trafficking conviction): Passed after testimony from victim‑services groups and the GBI, though civil‑liberty groups opposed the automatic enhancement.
These votes were taken by voice in committee; the transcript records the chair calling for 'aye' and saying 'eyes have it' on the listed items. Bills will move to the Rules Committee or next procedural step as recorded.
