Transcript Highlights:

• unit 610, fund 424, judicial systems. unit 610, fund 424, judicial systems.
• Agency 127, Judicial District 5A, Worland. Agency 128, Judicial District 5B, Cody.
• 126, Judicial District 4A, Sheridan. 126, Judicial District 4A, Sheridan.
• 132, Judicial District 9A, Lander. 132, Judicial District 9A, Lander.
• 143, Judicial District 1D, Cheyenne. 143, Judicial District 1D, Cheyenne.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• called the Judicial Council, we are not in fact part of the judicial branch.
• <01:58:51.760> Council to the judicial Council to the judicial Council um<01:58:53.840>
• needed both additional judicial needed both additional judicial resources<02:11:25.119> and
• clerical so non-judicial clerical so non-judicial staff<02:46:27.560> that<02:46:27.680><
• Target okay that's all non-judicial Target okay that's all non-judicial correct<02:46:43.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt on the New Hampshire Insurance Department budget. He said the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers based on New Hampshire premium volume, with about $8 billion in premiums written in the state and a department budget of roughly $15.5 million. He explained that the department has 88 authorized positions, eight vacancies, and that three full-time positions were unfunded after the governor’s requested 4% reduction exercise. He also said the department is trying to balance staffing needs with not overburdening carriers during a hard insurance market. A major topic was the department’s $2.6 million rebate to industry from the prior fiscal year, which Bettencourt described as a credit against the next assessment rather than a direct cash payment. Members questioned why that credit was not reflected as a reduction in the upcoming budget, and Bettencourt and staff explained that the budget assumes full staffing and full spending, with any year-end surplus returned to insurers. The commissioner said the department had added staff in recent years for succession planning and to preserve institutional expertise, and that the rebate reflects careful budgeting rather than excess spending. Members also asked about staffing changes by division, including positions unfunded in fraud, property and casualty examinations, life and health examinations, and tax. Bettencourt said fraud investigations remain strong and that the department can use outside contractors for examinations, with those costs billed to the company being examined. He also described the department’s examination process, including periodic financial exams and targeted market conduct reviews triggered by consumer complaints or trends. Additional questions covered OIT transfers, the department’s oversight of fully insured health coverage, the insurance premium tax and fines going to the general fund, and the department’s limited role in auto repair reimbursement disputes, where he said complaints have recently declined.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is judicial review de novo?
• I don't think it will fly judicially. I don't think it'll go.
• Katherine, I think I heard you say you didn't think this is going to pass judicial muster.
• into the judicial branch?
• <00:31:36.919> branch<00:31:37.720> um into our judicial branch um into our judicial

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 90 / Senate Bill 17, a birth-related measure backed by the Kentucky Birth Coalition. Sponsors said the bill had been worked on for several years and described changes including a transfer agreement, insurance requirements, proximity to a hospital, informed consent, and accreditation/medical director standards that helped win neutral or non-opposition from the Hospital Association. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote with unanimous support. The committee then heard Senate Bill 65, presented by Senator Steve West and Representative Derrick Lewis. They said the bill would make regulations found deficient through the committee review process null and void by statute, and would bar agencies from reissuing the same or similar language for up to a year. Supporters argued this was needed to hold agencies accountable because deficiency findings alone had not led to action. After questions about specific Medicaid behavioral health regulations and concerns about legislative overreach, the bill passed the committee on a roll call vote, with some members passing or explaining reservations. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 84, with a House committee substitute. Sponsors said the substitute was intended to strengthen the bill and reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision by ending Chevron deference and requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret law. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger and Katherine Hargraves, argued the bill would intrude on the judiciary, violate separation of powers, and could harm public health, environmental, and workplace protections. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the bill told courts what standard to use; sponsors responded that agencies could still present persuasive arguments, but courts should not defer to them. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill then passed the committee on a roll call vote, with several members passing or expressing constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• community lost a beloved leader, Joseph Di Alessandro, who served as state attorney for the 20th Judicial
• And instead of no transparency or very little, we want to see four things published: the parcels, what's
• So this bill is going to give transparency.
• So this bill is going to give transparency.
• So this bill is going to give transparency.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Joseph Di Alessandro, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements confirming a quorum. Members also adopted the special order report and recognized several guests in the gallery, including former Speaker Dan Webster and law enforcement and civic visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, mostly on third reading, with several measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Among the bills considered were measures on civil procedure and estates, including C.S. HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, C.S. HB 1337 on estates, HB 131 on curators of estates, and C.S. HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations. The House also passed C.S. HB 441 on conservation lands, which would lengthen notice and increase transparency for land swaps involving conservation property, and C.S. CS HB 919 on commercial service airports, which created a statutory definition for major airports and preempted local naming authority for several airports. HB 919 drew extensive debate over the proposed naming of Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald J. Trump, with amendments to delay or alter the naming failing before the bill passed. Other bills approved included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS HB 461 allowing certain students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, CS HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services, CS HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to address fraud, and HB 271 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The House also passed HB 191 on re-employment assistance eligibility verification after extended questioning about its effects on benefits, appeals, and suitable work standards. One bill, CS HB 243 on electric bicycles, was temporarily postponed, and CS HB 1073 on school districts was also postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, and requiring notice, an opportunity for a hearing, and judicial
• established Office of the Child Advocate, an independent entity charged with ensuring accountability and transparency
• established Office of the Child Advocate, an independent entity charged with ensuring accountability and transparency
• Establishing this office is an important step toward ensuring accountability and transparency in our
• Establishing this office is an important step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in our

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the first is the judicial security and courthouse bill.
• branch and all the courouses we judicial branch and all the courouses we have<00:02:00.399> across
• Um the first is<00:02:18.800> the<00:02:19.120> judicial<00:02:19.680> security<
• judicial security and courthouse bill.<00:02:21.760> Um<00:02:22.080> that<00:02:22.400
• <00:02:40.400> branch yellow ties here for the judicial branch yellow ties here for the judicial

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3230, a security package combining several bills related to political and Capitol security. Members first adopted the DE6 amendment, described as reflecting the negotiated allocation and appropriations language, and then heard Chair Mullen explain that the bill covers judicial security and courthouse grants, continued Capitol grounds screening, hardware and hardening improvements, legislative services home security, temporary local law enforcement support for credible threats, a new task force, funding for the BCA threat assessment team, and DPS deficiency funding tied to recent events. Discussion focused largely on the balance between security and public access. Representative West objected to the Capitol screening and metal detectors, arguing the Capitol is the “people’s house” and questioning the cost and fairness of the measures; he also asked whether the bill changed who controls Capitol security. In response, members said the scanners were not created by this bill but were already decided by the governor and security commission, and that the bill includes a provision clarifying the chain of command and training responsibilities. Other members supported the package as a necessary response to political violence and threats, emphasizing protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and the public. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to place House File 3230, as amended, on the general register. The motion passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• our school building without a judicial our school building without a judicial warrant. warrant.
• the school buildings without a judicial the school buildings without a judicial warrant. warrant
• valid judicial warrant. valid judicial warrant. That's<00:35:59.680> it. That's it.
• The Attorney General has already issued guidance to schools about judicial warrants.
• Thank you. guidance to schools about judicial guidance to schools about judicial warrants.<00:36:33.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Although they are nominees, they are still bound by the code of judicial conduct, and depending on the
• However, the same concept applies here. judicial conduct, judicial conduct, similar<00:17:09.679>
• Um, as a member of the judicial Um, as a member of the judicial retention<00:22:55.679> committee<
• <00:26:00.240> When<00:26:00.480> she our judicial system right now.
• When she our judicial system right now.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That number was presented by the Board on Judicial Compensation.
• The Board on Judicial Compensation was created by the statute.
• And their budget is requesting a 517.58% judicial pay increase based on the Board of Judicial Compensation
• But I do think it's time that we have a judicial security officer housed at the Judicial Center that
• Primarily, we use the National Judicial College in Reno.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's expensive, and unfortunately you're not all aware because there's no transparency.
• It's expensive, and unfortunately you're not all aware because there's no transparency.
• It's expensive, and unfortunately you're not all aware because there's no transparency.
• It's expensive, and unfortunately you're not all aware because there's no transparency.
• <01:54:40.719> this extremely um quick and judicious this extremely um quick and judicious

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• involves some kind of judicial process. involves some kind of judicial process.
• The community has been constantly calling for accountability and transparency.
• So I think that's really pushing for accountability and transparency.
• <01:46:09.360> And accountability and transparency. And accountability and transparency.
• a hearing was conducted or review was conducted, because I think that information, as well as transparency

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• me personally, I'm especially indebted to the work you've all done improving data and providing transparent
• There's not a lot of transparency, just by the way, by virtue of them not being public, unlike the life
• At the time of my judicial retirement at the end of 2019, I was the first Justice of the Middlesex County
• Since my judicial retirement, I serve on the advisory boards of multiple organizations, and I just want
• I testify to support, in the spirit of transparency, every day.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission on correctional consolidation and collaboration heard testimony focused on how Massachusetts uses custody levels, staffing, programming, and medical release tools, with Prisoners’ Legal Services arguing that the system is overusing expensive high-security settings and underusing step-down options. Dave Rainey said the incarcerated population has dropped substantially over the last several years, but spending and staffing have not fallen in proportion. He argued that DOC overclassifies people into medium and maximum security, relies too heavily on behavioral assessment units that function like segregation, and keeps people in restrictive settings such as Souza-Baranowski and Shattuck Hospital longer than necessary. He also said medical parole is underused and that many people with serious chronic illness or advanced age pose little public-safety risk and should be released through existing legal pathways. Sheriffs and other commission members pushed back on some of those points, emphasizing that staffing needs are driven by the acuity of the current population, that corrections is not overstaffed, and that classification decisions involve serious public-safety judgments. They also stressed that some high-cost medical placements are necessary because people remain under sentence and require care, and that furloughs and other release tools can create security risks if contraband or substance use is involved. The discussion also covered the role of county sheriffs versus DOC in reentry, with several members saying county systems tend to do more day-to-day step-down and release planning, while DOC has more difficulty moving people through lower-security settings before release. Ben Foreman of MassINC offered a more systemwide, data-focused perspective, praising the state’s transparency and arguing that Massachusetts has made major progress in reducing incarceration and increasing public safety. He said the state still has an opportunity to improve by right-sizing facilities, investing in community-based mental health treatment, and using the commission to better understand the capital and operating costs of the current system. In response to questions, he said he was aware of DOC studies on programs like furlough but had not reviewed recent ones, and he noted that total-control facilities like Souza-Baranowski have long been criticized in the research literature for poor outcomes. Nora Wassel of the Women and Incarceration Project then testified that the commission should issue an interim report and scrutinize the planned new women’s prison, which she said is not justified by current population trends or available data. She argued that women are overclassified under DOC’s own tools, that reentry beds and minimum-security placements are underused, and that the system may be failing to account for women’s distinct medical and reentry needs. The meeting ended with continued discussion of reentry, furloughs, day reporting, and whether consolidation should mean fewer facilities, better step-down pathways, or both.

Transcript Highlights:

• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The judicial branch is not a discretionary program like much of what we deal with here in this House
• The judicial branch must be funded appropriately.
• The judicial branch was not at the negotiating table when leaders from the other two branches decided
• However, we are bringing you a conference report that underfunds the judicial branch.
• We funded operating adjustments to judicial staff at a level that would support less than a 1% raise,

Transcript Highlights:

• testify as a witness the non-judicial testify as a witness the non-judicial nature<00:30:06.880>
• They divided us into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative.
• This bill simplifies the process and reduces the burden on the judicial system.
• the burden on the judici the burden on the judici system<04:32:43.760> uh<04:32:43.840>
• Representative Sher, again, in the interest of full transparency, Miss Weston is a former student.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that kind of transparency is really important for the public to know and to see the different
• However, when the department substantiates abuse and publishes its findings on its transparency website
• Victims and their families deserve greater transparency.
• can be such an overwhelming process for older adults to look for care, and I think having more transparency
• Communication during this time is continuous and transparent.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that kind of transparency is really important for the public to know and to see the different
• However, when the department substantiates abuse and publishes its findings on its transparency website
• Victims and their families deserve greater transparency.
• overwhelming process for older adults to look... ...to look for care, and I think having more transparency
• Communication during this time is continuous and transparent.

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:47.120> officer warrant signed by a judicial officer warrant signed by a judicial officer
• difference between judicial warrants and admin<00:04:20.880> warrants.
• judicial warrant from doing their job. judicial warrant from doing their job.
• Thank you. law that a valid judicial warrant is law that a valid judicial warrant is required<00:35:04.640
• <00:53:12.720> warrant without even showing a judicial warrant without even showing a judicial

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3415, a bill aimed at limiting immigration enforcement activity at child care centers. House Research explained the DE1 amendment, which defined key terms and barred child care employees from consenting to civil immigration enforcement entry without a judicial warrant, while requiring officials to identify themselves and state their purpose; the amendment also clarified that it would not block officials administering child care programs. After brief debate, members adopted the DE1 amendment. The bill author, Representative Sensor Mura, said the measure was intended to address fear and disruption in child care settings caused by recent immigration enforcement activity and to keep those spaces safe for children and families. Supporters, including a pastor, a Children’s Defense Fund representative, parents, child care workers, and an ACLU policy counsel, testified that immigration enforcement near daycares has caused fear, staff absences, lockdowns, and emotional harm to children. They argued the bill would not stop lawful enforcement but would require warrants and basic identification before entry, protecting children from witnessing raids or arrests and giving providers clear rules. Several witnesses described specific incidents involving ICE activity near Spanish immersion daycares in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including staff members being detained, parents organizing safety watches, and children showing distress. Testimony emphasized that many affected children are U.S. citizens in immigrant families and that visible enforcement can create toxic stress and separation anxiety. No final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided beyond adoption of the DE1 amendment and continuation of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the judicial officer consider the person's status as a resident of West Virginia.
• It only requires that the judicial officer give consideration to the resident...
• That the judicial officer give consideration to the residency status.
• It's only which judicial officer may issue that PR bond. Correct.
• They have a defense lawyer, and they have a full judicial review in front of a magistrate.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, with several administrative reminders about floor session and the need to keep testimony focused. House Bill 4169, which expands the list of professionals who may provide the verified mental health certificate needed to petition to regain firearm possession rights, was reported to the full Senate without amendment. House Bill 4364, establishing concurrent jurisdiction with the federal government over certain military lands and related juvenile matters, was amended with technical/title changes and then reported as amended. House Bill 4366, allowing military protective orders to be used as evidence in protective-order proceedings and requiring notice to issuing agencies after arrests, was also amended and reported as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 4415, a strike-and-insert measure increasing penalties for bringing telecommunications devices and other contraband into correctional facilities, expanding the definition of telecommunications device, and adding federal correctional facilities; the strike-and-insert and title amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 4606, which revises bail factors and adds language stating a magistrate may not release a felony defendant on personal recognizance, drew extensive debate and testimony from the House Judiciary chair, court system officials, and advocates. Concerns centered on whether the bill conflicted with existing code, whether magistrates should be barred from PR bonds in felony cases, and the impact on poor defendants and jail populations; an amendment to strike the felony PR-bond prohibition failed, and the bill was reported on a divided vote. House Bill 4610, expanding the Right to Try Act to include patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses and additional treatment types such as biosimilars and individualized gene therapies, was reported without amendment. House Bill 4552, clarifying that correctional officers are law enforcement officers for purposes of federal concealed-carry protections, received a technical amendment and was reported as amended. House Bill 4625, relating to the real estate transfer tax, was amended to change the valuation calculation and add/clarify exemptions, then reported as amended. House Bill 4755, adding certain offenses to the list of crimes triggering enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, was reported with a title amendment. House Bill 4842, clarifying that civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images apply to sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion and establishing joint and several liability, was amended and reported as amended. Finally, House Bill 4850, requiring the State Bar to post free online educational materials about executors and administrators of estates, was amended and reported as amended after discussion about scope, disclaimers, and existing county resources; the committee then recessed for floor session, with two remaining bills postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• Um, the judicial plan, you had the judges and clerks and their benefit that was created in 2016, but
• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• >> Talking about the funding for the judicial side.

Bills: HB304, HB285, HB312, HB311, SB60

Keywords: impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law