Transcript Highlights:

• advancement of technology excel at an exceptional rate, we want to make sure that the folks that I do trust
• in our state government, I do trust our citizen service members to be able to deploy on behalf of our
• I want to make sure that the folks that we trust in our government to do this work have the tools and
• It's about delivery at a time when trust in our government is a real issue.
• ALJs face the same risks as our judicial branch colleagues.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2462 would direct the governor to create rules for countering threats from unpiloted aircraft systems and authorize National Guard support for law enforcement in certain circumstances; the prime sponsor and National Guard witnesses said it would improve coordination for events like the FIFA World Cup, while one testifier supported it with amendments related to law enforcement authority, data privacy, and a web portal. HB 2401 would create a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission, contingent on non-state funding through 2029; supporters described concerns about boys’ and men’s mental health, suicide, loneliness, education, and workforce outcomes, while some asked that physical health and fatherhood be more explicitly addressed. HB 2198 would expand and standardize statewide credential and permit reporting, require agencies to publish timelines and fee refunds for missed deadlines, and consolidate reporting; the governor’s office, business groups, labor, ports, and the Department of Health testified in support, citing faster processing, predictability, and economic benefits. HB 2419 would extend Address Confidentiality Program eligibility to administrative law judges and certain Office of Administrative Hearings staff; OAH, county officials, and county clerks supported the bill, citing threats and safety concerns, and some asked to include county clerks as well. The committee then took executive action on HB 2210, HB 2205, and HB 2249. It adopted an amendment to HB 2210 preserving existing ranked choice voting systems and advanced the bill 4-2 with one excused. It adopted an amendment to HB 2205 making threats against sports officials, coaches, or participants involved in wagered events a Class C felony and barring offenders from future wagering, and advanced the bill 5-1 with one excused. HB 2249, reclassifying certain WATEC employees performing network and security duties, was advanced unanimously 6-0 with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's when legislative actions such as a quasi-judicial proceeding takes place, and that's where
• And under quasi-judicial, we would have examples such as rezoning, special exemptions, and variances.
• ministerial authority, and that we preserve all the legal requirements that go along with quasi-judicial
• It will not interfere with any quasi-judicial practices.
• It undermines local decision-making by prohibiting quasi-judicial review of developments in agricultural

Bills: S0014 , S0016 , S0024 , S0168 , S0288 , S0548 , S0686 , S0830 , S1138 , S1234

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, rural electric cooperatives, energy production, Florida law, energy tariffs, regulation, impact fees, transportation capacity, local government, interlocal agreements, growth management, community planning, extraordinary circumstances

Transcript Highlights:

• We let them know what their safe and trusted adults are.
• We let them know what their safe and trusted adults are.
• We let them know what their safe and trusted adults are.
• We let them know what their safe and trusted adults are.
• I don't know if that counts as a judicial process.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the panelists for being very judicious with your budgeted time.
• There is a crisis of trust, and so how do we... Thank you. Crisis of trust.
• And so how do we rebuild that trust is essential to a democracy?
• be clear, trust with our fellow neighbors.
• Let's just be clear: trust with our fellow neighbors and one another.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on the impact of federal actions on California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing shared governance, student access, and the importance of protecting California’s public systems. The first panel included leaders from CSU, UC, California Community Colleges, and the University of the Pacific, who described major disruptions from federal policy changes, including grant terminations, changes to Pell and loan programs, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, tighter loan limits, and uncertainty around immigration, CalFresh/SNAP, and Medicaid-related rules. UC and CSU leaders said federal research and student-support cuts threaten research capacity, workforce pipelines, and services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and international students, while the community colleges highlighted uncertainty around TRIO, HSI/MSI/AANAPISI grants and the need to preserve student services and economic mobility. Members asked about the scale of funding losses, intersegmental partnerships, workforce impacts, indirect cost caps, H-1B hiring costs, and the effect of federal changes on health care and research. Witnesses said the federal environment has created instability, delayed planning, and could reduce access to graduate and professional education, especially in health fields and other high-need professions. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to support research bonds, housing and capital outlay, and continued state investment to offset federal retrenchment. The committee also discussed how cuts could affect student debt, food insecurity, and the diversity of future cohorts, with witnesses warning that the changes could narrow access and weaken California’s workforce pipeline for years. The second panel focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, the Golden State Teacher Grant, and a proposed state FAFSA alternative for students who cannot access federal aid, while urging reforms to Cal Grant, better integration with CalFresh, and more support for foster youth and adult learners. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy uncertainty are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and putting basic needs, transfer support, and workforce programs at risk. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities said federal loan caps, research cuts, and attacks on DEI and HSI funding are harming access and retention, especially for first-generation and low-income students, and called for stronger state support, including transfer aid and a state-backed loan option. The CSU Academic Senate also testified that abrupt federal changes to MSI and related programs have disrupted student research, summer programs, and equity-focused initiatives, with one campus example losing $2.7 million in student-centered funding on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just, um, real quick again, Jackie Steel, attorney, 27th Judicial Circuit.
• There's protections in the judicial system for that material so it doesn't get out.
• </c><00:13:57.519><c> Um</c><00:13:58.639><c> again</c> attorney 27th Judicial Circuit.
• Um again attorney 27th Judicial Circuit.
• There's protections<00:14:40.000><c> in</c><00:14:40.399><c> the</c><00:14:40.639><c> judicial</c><00

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• INDIVIDUALS, OR ARE YOU USING JUDICIAL WARRANTS?
• THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR A JUDICIAL WARRANT.
• AND THEY CAN'T BE JUDICIAL. >> Sen.
• Gruters: WE ARE UPPING THE RANKING TO A LEVEL IV IN TERMS OF THAT RANKING SYSTEM INSIDE THE JUDICIAL
• EVERYTHING COMES DOWN TO THE AMOUNT OF POINTS WHEN YOU'RE OR IN FRONT OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND I AM

Transcript Highlights:

• the Louisiana Law Institute to study the use and application of the term 'foreign' with respect to judicial
• This bill creates a statutory framework for the complex litigation section program in the 19th Judicial
• “So we’re asking that we codify this since it is working so well at the 19th Judicial District Court.
• I’m Deputy Judicial Administrator at the 19-JDC. Thank you all so much for having us here today.”
• Murray, the Judicial Compensation Commission. And anything else? All right. So we have a motion.

Committee: Senate Judiciary A

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• approve or deny a permit, and it guarantees a meaningful and impartial appeal process, including a judicial
• 04:48.800><c> process,</c><00:04:49.680><c> including</c><00:04:50.080><c> a</c><00:04:50.320><c> judicial
• </c> appeal process, including a judicial appeal process, including a judicial review<00:04:51.120><c
• 00:22:34.159><c> and</c><00:22:34.480><c> standards</c><00:22:35.039><c> for</c><00:22:35.520><c> judicial
• </c> depositions and standards for judicial depositions and standards for judicial review.<00:22:36.559

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Trust your people. Trust your constituents. And they'll trust you.
• Whether you agree or not, they will trust you.
• But please, trust your people. Because if you want trust, you've got to trust.
• But again, trust your people, and please be considerate of their pocketbooks because they earned it.
• They were taught to trust.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the way the judicial conduct works.
• And maybe someone else who's more familiar with that, those judicial conducts can chime in.
• In the smaller judicial parishes, you may have one judge or two judges, and keeping a court reporter
• Most judicial systems allow $40 to $50. They're taking that much over the GSA rate on a per diem.
• Would you approve for the legislative, I mean for the judicial budget?

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The judicial, the court process, can take.
• But, you know, we can't take a position on policy here for the Judicial Council.
• Do you have— The judicial side and the DMV side.
• But I'm everything I'm looking at here tells me that that's judicial, that's based on convictions.
• But I believe it contains both the judicial side.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:47:48.159><c> funds</c> um uh General and education trust funds um uh General and education trust
• I'm going to trust you on this.
• discussion no okay I'm G to trust you discussion no okay I'm G to trust you on<04:18:31.760><c> well<
• Oh, I see, section 153, Benjamin yes trust fund.
• Chair, a question I have is it's relative to the Benjamin Thompson trust fund.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• information regarding the current caseload of assignments to circuit judges in Benton County, 9th West Judicial
• Subsequent to an investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting
• This matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General.
• Subsequent to an investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting
• This matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• this team, and it really is a team helping ensure that we are putting the best and the brightest in judicial
• commission that people are not familiar with and have not heard of that is truly the backstop for our judicial
• the last two years, we've ...confirmed 50 judges, including 38 last year alone, two on the Supreme Judicial
• that we put before you to ensure that we have well-respected, well-experienced individuals in our judicial

Summary: The House and then a joint convention of the House and Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, brief recesses, and procedural motions. The Senate transmitted an order to appoint a joint committee to canvass the votes for Executive Councillors, and the order was adopted. The House appointed Mr. Stanley of Waltham, Ms. Howard of Lowell, and Mr. Vieira of Falmouth to that committee. In the joint session, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the members and praised the work of the Governor’s Councillors in reviewing judicial nominations and helping ensure access to justice. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s communication was read, transmitting the certified returns of the November 5, 2024 election for councillors. The councillors-elect were then sworn in, with instructions to sign and return their oath paperwork before leaving. After the joint convention adjourned, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. It also adopted a special adjournment in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, noting his service in the Georgia legislature, as governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. The House then adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cases through the judicial system, and none of them have been finalized.
• ><c> system</c><00:53:29.440><c> and</c><00:53:30.240><c> uh</c> cases through the judicial system and
• uh cases through the judicial system and uh none<00:53:30.640><c> of</c><00:53:30.800><c> them</c><00
• a</c><00:55:35.520><c> person</c><00:55:35.680><c> who</c><00:55:35.920><c> I</c><00:55:36.160><c> trust
• </c> years and a person who I trust years and a person who I trust personally<00:55:36.880><c> with</

Bills: HB60

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• That volume of orders over the last 5 to 10 years has grown significantly from the judicial system, which
• So with that capacity, that's essentially the number of beds that we are trying to serve the judicial
• </c> significantly from the judicial system. significantly from the judicial system. uh<00:11:41.120>
• /c><00:12:14.959><c> to</c><00:12:15.200><c> serve</c><00:12:15.600><c> the</c><00:12:15.920><c> judicial
• </c><00:12:16.320><c> system</c> are trying to serve the judicial system are trying to serve the judicial

Bills: SF0010 , SF0005

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you all know, from time to time, we come to the legislature seeking support for additional judicial
• through some kind of safety test through a manufacturer who has been designated as somebody that we can trust
• through some kind of safety test through a manufacturer who has been designated as somebody that we can trust

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• with $844,000 of that coming from the general fund, and then $9 $500,000 coming from the agency's trust
• I will say that the request from the trust fund balance we do account separately.
• challenges presented by increased crime rates, involving statutory requirements, and heightened judicial

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• President Trump to serve as United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and am grateful for the trust
• to leading the embassy in Ireland, if confirmed, and all the people that are there, gaining their trust
• up to address the issue where a country did not have a democracy in a legitimate and believable judicial

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• We try to use this tool very judiciously.
• This is a trust fund. Just real quickly, a couple program highlights.
• This is a trust fund solvency standard, so kind of an adequacy reserve.
• During the pandemic, 18 trust funds went insolvent. Utah's did not.
• During the pandemic, 18 trust funds went insolvent.

Committee: Joint Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee