Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial legislation'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now therefore be it resolved that the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session
- Church in my district where he preaches... the gospel and ministers to many souls who I serve as a legislator
- HB 1363 by Hernandez. to the implicit bias training for justices and judges of state courts, judicial
- Refer to the Committee on Judicial...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/3/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- judicial judicial official.<00:21:29.039>
Section <00:21:29.440>33 <00:21:29.919>from - for us, such as the homeless youth act legislative report.
- applications in developing legislative applications in developing legislative reports<00:29:52.080
- Greater youth act legislative report.
- <01:30:15.280>
a brain, we made sure in legislation a brain, we made sure in legislation a
Keywords:
human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- are things that we would discuss at the full committee, not at this last extension, and then the judicial
- The judicial branch deleted their... So now we'll go to the lapse extensions.
- It doesn't have to happen, but it is a request of the judicial branch, and they'd be willing to come
- I would suggest that you talk to the judicial branch and have them come in to explain.
- branch and have them come in to judicial branch and have them come in to explain<01:02:48.559>
there
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility.
The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 01/23/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- With me today I have our legislative director, Brandon Hirsch.
- <00:31:57.559>
members uh that consists of legislative members uh that consists of legislative - So if you ever feel like jumping back in on legislative review, let me know.
- <01:42:48.560>
audit started also the legislative audit started also the legislative audit - your agency also does the um judicial your agency also does the um judicial review<01:46:57.599>
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (5-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to use it judiciously and uh we got to protect it.
- We have to use it judiciously and uh we got to protect it.
- We have to use it judiciously and uh we got to protect it.
- We have to use it judiciously and uh we got to protect it.
- judiciously and uh we got to protect it. judiciously and uh we got to protect it. the<00:31:04.960
Summary:
The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade.
Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- However, it is authorized by legislation.
- And it seems that it's in line with legislative authority.
- They tie to other pieces of legislation.
- However, like I said, they have legislative authority.
- And I appreciate the hope that we can move forward in legislation with Chairman Bergstrom passing legislation
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administrative Rules met with a quorum and considered five Oklahoma Health Care Authority and OMMA rules resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 50 was presented as a federal-law conformity change allowing licensed professional counselors, LBHPs, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors to work as eligible providers in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics; despite questions about the fiscal estimate, it passed 9-0. SJR 51 was amended to correct rule citations related to human genome sequencing, then failed on a 4-5 vote after members noted an estimated $860,000 fiscal impact tied to legislation. SJR 52, removing physician visit limits in Medicaid, was described as an access-to-care and rural health measure that could reduce ER use; it passed 8-1.
The committee then took up SJR 53 from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which would align rules with statutes requiring prepackaging of medical marijuana products and other provisions. Members questioned OMMA extensively about the economic impact, the discrepancy between the agency’s estimate and Loft’s much larger estimate, and whether the rules were already being implemented under emergency authority. OMMA said the rules mirrored existing statutes and that the cost would fall on the industry and ultimately consumers, not the agency. After debate about regulatory fairness and the effect on the industry, the resolution passed 5-4.
Finally, SJR 54, a non-major OMMA rule change renaming the adjudicator from administrative law judge to hearing examiner to match the Administrative Procedures Act, drew concerns about independence and whether OMMA should be required to contract for outside adjudicators. The director said the change was only a terminology alignment and would not alter current practice, and Senator Bergstrom said he would pursue legislation next year to require outside contracting. An amendment changed the committee’s position from disapprove to approve, but the underlying resolution still failed 4-5. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (2-11-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- That claim is the court security officers that are stationed in all of the judicial centers around the
- That claim is the court security officers that are stationed in all of the judicial centers around the
- officers that are stationed in all of officers that are stationed in all of the<00:15:19.600>
judicial - 20.959>
around <00:15:21.279>the <00:15:21.440>state <00:15:21.680>to the judicial - centers around the state to the judicial centers around the state to protect<00:15:22.240>
the
Keywords:
Call to Order: 00;15
Approval of Minutes: 01:22
Update on Generator replacement: 01:52
Update on Sheriff Fees: 13:28
Adjournment: 25:22, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for its fourth budget subreview session focused on personnel, public retirements, and finance. Members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard from Finance Cabinet staff on two main items: a $7.5 million request related to generator systems and a sheriff’s fees budget request. The generator request was described as a preventive, life-cycle replacement and capacity-enhancement effort for 26 generators serving Frankfort-area state buildings, intended to protect continuity of government and expand beyond basic emergency power to support continuity of services.
Members asked detailed questions about how many generators would be replaced, the cost per unit, the scope of the study, and whether the work could be phased. Staff said the $7.5 million would cover a full evaluation and any resulting engineering/replacement work, but the exact number of replacements was not yet known. They estimated the initial study would cost about $500,000 to $750,000, would take six to nine months once funded, and would produce building-by-building recommendations. Staff also said typical generator life cycles vary widely, often around 15 to 20 years but sometimes longer depending on run hours and usage.
The committee then reviewed sheriff’s fees, with the Division of Local Government explaining that the state reimburses counties for several statutory sheriff-related costs, especially court security, which accounts for more than 90% of the claims. Staff said the current budget base is about $20 million, while actual spending has been running above $23 million, leading to a $3.5 million growth request to align the base with projected spending and reduce the need for non-general fund expenditure (NGE) adjustments. Members asked about claim volume, county participation, reimbursement controls, and whether the request reflected growth or underfunding; staff said all 120 counties submit claims, volumes have been fairly steady, and reimbursements are governed by statute and signed monthly certifications. No votes were taken on the requests, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 26, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You help us do a better job as legislators by testifying, so thanks for being here.
- use what's called a quasi legislative use what's called a quasi legislative practice<00:59:21.520
- Legislators and to the Governor, but to no avail.
- So we need new legislation to address that problem if it were to occur.
- This really is judicial, and it confuses juries, so we are in strong support.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies.
The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jan 8th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- general revenues until the street fund is repaid and has not obtained the authorization from the Legislative
- The authorization from the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee for repayment of less than 10% of general
- This matter has been investigated by the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Arkansas
- This matter has been investigated by the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Arkansas
- The next meeting of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee will be held on February 12, 2026, and this
Summary:
The committee first approved a motion by voice vote, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For the 2012 reports, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total to 17 with escrow funds released and 26 still escrowed. For the 2023 delinquent reports, two more had come in, leaving five outstanding; both reports were filed without objection.
The committee then focused on Act 709 repayment issues for the town of Daisy. Audit staff said Daisy had made unauthorized payments to a nonprofit and had used restricted street funds for fire-related expenses, and that the town had not yet adopted the required repayment ordinance. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the town had funds to pay. After discussion about the audit calculations and statutory repayment requirements, the committee adopted a motion requiring 10% repayment of the street fund under the statute and providing that failure to comply would result in withholding turnback funds. The Daisy report was then filed.
The committee reviewed numerous additional audit findings from cities, counties, and water departments. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including reconciliation work in Harrison and Carroll County, revenue-code corrections in Izard County, monthly bond-pending reviews in Alexander, fixed-asset documentation and receipt procedures in the town of 56, and bookkeeping/receipt improvements in Ozan and Lee County. Some matters were deferred, including several private water and sewer reports and Green Forest, while others were filed. Reports involving more serious issues were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, and others. The committee also filed 19 reports with resolved findings and 53 reports with no findings, and adjourned with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 4 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and put a repealer in the legislation. and put a repealer in the legislation.
- <02:12:48.040>
legislative <02:12:48.640>session this legislative legislative session - I'll be honest, it's a lot easier and probably straightforward than it is for legislative or even judicial
- <02:18:35.840>
or <02:18:35.960>even <02:18:36.200>judicial legislative or even - judicial legislative or even judicial redistricting<02:18:37.440>
when <02:18:37.599>we
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Austin Warren of Alcorn State University, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also heard a series of guest introductions, including representatives from the Council of State Governments, local visitors, students from Tupelo High School and First Presbyterian Day School, a doctor of the day, family members honoring a fallen highway patrol officer, forestry groups, and other guests in the galleries.
The Senate then took up several calendar items. It passed House Bill 1648, the budget transfer bill, after a strike-all amendment and use of the morning roll call. It also advanced House Bill 1230 on distinctive motor vehicle tags and House Bill 1330 on local option alcoholic beverage control/resort area definitions, both with strike-all amendments and morning roll call passage. House Bill 750, the SMART Act extending a tax credit program that supports research partnerships between businesses and higher education institutions, was also passed by morning roll call. Later, House Bill 1761 relating to festival wine permits was amended with a strike-all and passed, and Senate Bill 3230 was taken up under suspension of the rules and passed to authorize Greenwood Leflore Hospital’s board to seek Chapter 9 debt relief.
The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 52 recognizing Mississippi Alpha Network/Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on its 55th anniversary, and Senate Resolution 32 commending the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars softball team and Coach Matt Harrison for winning the MAIS 4A Division 1 State Softball Championship. Representatives of both groups addressed the Senate briefly, emphasizing service, community involvement, and the teams’ accomplishments. The Senate granted immediate release for the hospital bill and continued to pass or retain several other items on the calendar.
Near the end of the transcript, the Senate began consideration of House Bill 1577 on false child abuse reports. Senator Fillingane explained a strike-all amendment that would make knowingly false reports a misdemeanor, with penalties including fines, jail time, and restitution, while preserving protections for good-faith reporting. Senators Seymour and Hopson asked questions about the bill’s criminal classification and burden of proof, and discussion was underway when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26) - Reupload
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- whenever we take up the judicial budget. whenever we take up the judicial budget.
- one down, especially from a legislator. one down, especially from a legislator.
- May, our temporary uh legislative May, our temporary uh legislative assistant<02:27:30.560>
who - the Southern Legislative Conference. the Southern Legislative Conference.
- 1,500 southern legislators, government 1,500 southern legislators, government staff,<02:29:59.520
Keywords:
Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam.
This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control.
Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation.
Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:53:35.599>
So <00:53:35.760>it judicial elections on the ballot. - So it judicial elections on the ballot.
- I’m getting my legislative aide assisting me here. >> Well, Senator Lur was a mentor of mine for many
- Two members must be former legislators.
- <01:31:18.880>
experience, combination of legislative experience, combination of legislative
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 116 May 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This important legislation 26 1112.
- And yet we were told in committee that any legislator can convene a group of legislators to study any
- And yet we were told in committee that any legislator can convene a group of legislators to study any
- We had both legislators and committee.
- It started with bad legislative cuts.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a taxpayer, and I bring energy and hope to this legislative session.
- <00:37:57.200>
thank vote in favor of this legislation thank vote in favor of this legislation - <00:43:07.920>
legislators to uh to help legislators legislators to uh to help legislators - to ask respectfully ask the legislator to ask respectfully ask the legislator to<00:53:05.680>
keep it without any chance of judicial keep it without any chance of judicial review<01:03:35.200
Summary:
The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making.
The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians.
On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted.
Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just want to point these out so that as legislators are moving forward in the future, that maybe
- Senator Pizzo: Thank you for the legislative history.
- What is the economic fix from a legislative perspective if we're making incentivized reductions at a
- But what we are saying in this legislation is that we're encouraging you to go buy guns.
- But what we are saying in this legislation is that we're encouraging you to go buy guns.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/10/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- I was surprised by this: a lot of questions about how legislation and legislating works, how do you get
- I was surprised by this: a lot of questions about how legislation and legislating works, how do you get
- I was surprised by this: a lot of questions about how legislation and legislating works, how do you get
- I was surprised by this: a lot of questions about how legislation and legislating works, how do you get
- <00:20:26.159>
and <00:20:26.320>legislating about how legislation and legislating
Summary:
The Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met to begin its session with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview from Secretary of State Steve Simon and elections director Paul Linnell on the state’s elections administration and budget needs. Simon said the office’s committee-jurisdiction budget request was for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant match: Minnesota received about $1 million in federal funds in 2024 and needs a $200,000 state match to unlock the money for election security navigator work. He also previewed the office’s broader presentation on the 2024 election, outreach efforts, and election security.
Simon described the 2024 election cycle as successful, saying his administrative goals were high turnout and low drama. He reported that Minnesota had very high turnout in the November election, with more than 3.27 million ballots cast and about 76.4% turnout, and noted that more than 1.3 million voters cast ballots before Election Day. He also highlighted outreach and accessibility efforts, including the Students Voting Program, Youth Day at the Capitol, National Voter Registration Day activities, expanded online voter tools in additional languages, and work to inform eligible Minnesotans about the Restore the Vote law for people leaving prison. He emphasized that elections are a team effort carried out largely by counties, cities, townships, and election judges.
Linnell then explained the state’s election administration structure and responsibilities, including the Statewide Voter Registration System, candidate filing and election reporting systems, voting equipment certification, and post-election performance reviews. He said counties are central to voter registration updates and ballot preparation, and noted that in 2024 there were a handful of counties with ballot errors that required court action, with a vendor process change identified as a contributing factor. Committee members asked for more detail on the number and identity of the affected counties. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation creates a brand new state agency.
- And that's the judicial scrutiny of your decisions as a legislative body is given deference, as you probably
- I'm the legislative director for the AFL-CIO.
- I've held the position of legislative chair.
- We are opposed to the legislation.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 16th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I issue this warning to my fellow legislators.
- And that's why we put four legislators on the PERS Board.
- Title 28 is judicial procedure, civil.
- Title 28 is judicial procedure, civil.
- I think that makes it crystal clear who is behind this legislation.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition.
House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1.
The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1.
The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So this legislation attempts to give prosecutors another option, one that reflects the egregiousness
- So this legislation attempts to give prosecutors another option, one that reflects the egregiousness
- It's also about judicial discretion.
- But if it's some other thing like a discharge, there's no way to get a judicial appeal on that.
- there's no way to uh get a judicial there's no way to uh get a judicial appeal<01:25:38.239>
Keywords:
theft, vulnerable adults, public safety, penalties, Minnesota statutes, chemical irritants, law enforcement, transparency, building owners, tenant rights, notification, remediation, firearm restrictions, domestic violence, court orders, criminal convictions, firearms prohibition, gun surrender, order for protection, protective order
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Lynn: Let me move to HR 6, House Resolution condemning the judicial doctrine of disparate impact
- She argued that the doctrine of disparate impact is a judicial doctrine, that the legislature cannot
- <00:15:56.959>
uh uh disparate impact is a Judicial uh uh disparate impact is a Judicial uh - <00:29:06.799>
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Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first corrected a procedural issue by revoting on House Bills 98 and 164, which had already been reported out unanimously. HB 98, concerning professional limited liability company assistant managers, was again voted ought to pass by a 16-0 roll call and placed on the consent calendar. HB 164, concerning local records, was reopened because of a fiscal note amendment; the committee adopted Amendment 2025-0087 unanimously and then voted ought to pass as amended 17-0. Because HB 164 goes to Finance, it will not go on consent, and the chair asked for the updated report that night.
The committee then took up HR 6, a resolution condemning the judicial doctrine of disparate impact. Representative Manos moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing the resolution overreached because disparate impact is a judicial doctrine and the legislature cannot bind the courts. Representative Cordelli also supported ITL, citing drafting problems and the need for substantial revision, including an outdated reference to the New Hampshire governor. The committee voted 15-2 to ITL the resolution, and it was placed on consent; the chair asked for the report by the end of the day and noted there would be no minority report.
Finally, the committee discussed HB 111, which extends the right-to-know ombudsman position. Representative Kuttab offered an amendment to address concerns raised in testimony about discouraging use of the office and shifting attorney-fee burdens; the amendment was adopted 16-1. The committee then voted 15-2 to ought to pass as amended. Supporters said the ombudsman saves money by reducing court filings and should be continued, while opponents argued the office needs restructuring and that additional funding was not justified. The bill will go to Finance, and the chair requested the report by the end of the day. The committee also began discussion of HB 66 and related bills on right-to-know access, with the chair outlining a proposed amendment to limit remote records requests to people with a New Hampshire connection, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.