Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial transparency'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Oct 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- have Sufficient funding to have some of these pilot programs extend beyond the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd judicial
- It'd be nice if we had an open, transparent process to do that and We were included in the process. 46%
- And the ability for AOC to offer these innovative programs beyond the first, second, and third judicial
- General lady, what new data or transparency will the legislature receive compared to the current law?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to H. 1766, an Act Relative to Judicial Security.
- Moving on to H. 1766, an Act Relative to Judicial Security.
- H. 1819, an Act Relative to Judicial Compensation.
- It requires minimal judicial oversight.
- But if we tender within 30 days, let's stop the abuse of the judicial system.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn.
On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees.
The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 5th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm just saying that, as opposed to having potentially a lawsuit in each one of the judicial district
- It’s technical, but meaningful updates that increase transparency and reduce some administrative friction
- "But it gives transparency to these projects, which I think is very important.
- Again, I think it affords transparency to projects. I think it's a good amendment. Thank you, sir.
- Again, I think it affords transparency to projects. I think it's a good amendment. Thank you, sir.
Summary:
The committee first deferred House Bill 1102 without hearing it. It then took up House Concurrent Resolution 66, which urges Louisiana Economic Development and other state agencies to continue studying rural parishes’ economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. Representative Weible and Secretary Bougoir described the resolution as part of a broader effort to align state rural programs and create a strategic framework for rural development. Members emphasized infrastructure, workforce training, local coordination, and retaining young people in rural communities. An amendment requiring LED to report to the legislature by January 1, 2027 was adopted, and HCR 66 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 102, which would allow qualified trade associations for motor vehicle dealers to bring declaratory and injunctive actions against manufacturers on behalf of dealers. Senator Presley and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association said the bill would consolidate similar disputes into one action, reduce costs, and help smaller dealers avoid retaliation or uneven litigation. Questions focused on standing, the limited remedies, and whether the bill would affect nontraditional sales models. Technical amendments were adopted, and SB 102 was reported favorably as amended.
Senate Bill 521, concerning banks’ continued use of a non-surviving bank’s name after mergers or consolidations, drew the most debate. Senator Boudreau and former Senator Fred Mills said the bill would preserve community-bank identity while following FDIC guidance on clear disclosure and consumer notice. Several members raised concerns about codifying federal guidance, future changes to federal rules, and whether the bill should instead set a fixed transition period; an amendment to limit use of the old name to 24 months was adopted after discussion. Another proposed amendment tying the bill to 1998 FDIC branch-name guidance failed on a roll call vote. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably.
The committee also advanced House Bill 387, which narrows the scope of incidental engineering work by architects and clarifies the state fire marshal’s authority to review plans under both architecture and engineering laws, and House Bill 1228, which updates hearing-aid dealer licensing and consumer-protection rules, including testing periods, cooling-off rights, and refund/cancellation procedures. Both bills were reported favorably with technical amendments. The transcript then shifted to additional measures, including House Bill 975 on Public Service Commission reconstitution and several Senate bills by Senator Abraham on self-storage facilities and contractor licensing, but the provided text cuts off before those items are fully concluded.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (3-31-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- where we can put our arms around our state Medicaid program and approach it in a manner that is transparent
- that<00:05:00.800>
is approach it in a manner that is approach it in a manner that is transparent - that<00:05:03.360>
continues <00:05:03.920>the <00:05:04.080>integrity transparent - that continues the integrity transparent that continues the integrity in<00:05:04.680>
the <00 - So, thank you again for your time and for the judicious approach that you're taking to Medicaid reforms
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups.
The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause.
Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It again does not take away from magistrates' or judicial discretion to make that determination, just
- Members, Senate Bill 2619 provides much-needed transparency to ensure our school districts continue to
- Senate Bill 2619 provides much-needed transparency to ensure our school districts continue to make the
- notice and hearing process for adding or removing contract members and participants to promote transparency
- notice and hearing process for adding or removing contract members and participants to promote transparency
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions.
The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment.
The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees.
On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Apr 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- LEGAL ADVICE IT ESTABLISHES CLEAR RULES FOR PERMISSIBLE SERVICES AND PROHIBITED PRACTICES AND TRANSPARENCY
- WILL BETTER ENABLE FLORIDA COURTS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF VEXATIOUS LITIGATION AND TO ALLOCATE JUDICIAL
- SENATORS, THIS AMENDMENT MAKES 2 IMPORTANT CHANGES TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY AND TRANSPARENCY WHEN IT COMES
- CONSIDERED IN THIS FRAMED DRUG AND I'VE BEEN WORKING ALONGSIDE SENATOR CALATAYUD TO AND INCREASE TRANSPARENCY
- I LIKE TO REMIND YOU ARE THE OFFICERS ARE NOT THE VICTIMS AND IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE AS MUCH TRANSPARENCY
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency.
Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 10th, 2026 at 11:16 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- as a policy shift, but as a common-sense clarification that provides certainty, legality, and transparency
- as a policy shift, but as a common sense clarification that provides certainty, legality, and transparency
- Certainty, legality, and transparency for everyone involved.
- legislation is intended to clarify roles and responsibilities during times of emergency, ensure transparency
- Madam Speaker, this bill is very transparent.
Bills:
HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/12/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- an independent board within the judicial an independent board within the judicial branch<00:19:33.320
- This is organized by judicial district.
- This is organized by judicial district.
- This is organized by judicial district.
- I've always believed in judicial discretion.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- for and pointed out after this passed the House, the Deputy General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial
- for and pointed out after this passed the House, the Deputy General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial
- for and pointed out after this passed the House, the Deputy General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial
- for and pointed out after this passed the House, the Deputy General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial
- I. this passed the House, the Deputy General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial Branch reached out
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- referees, judicial court directors, probation officers, employees of law enforcement agencies, employees
- referees, judicial court directors, probation officers, employees of law enforcement agencies, employees
- Judicial court supervisors and probation officers were added in 2003, and during the 2021 legislative
- DAPL situations that Representative Clement talked about, prosecutors, district court judges, and judicial
- and addresses, that protection is limited to records with federal agencies, the federal executive, judicial
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- It is using the power of the judiciary in order to obtain information and other matters in a judicial
- And we're giving him... ...and we're giving him judicial authority and investigative authority.
- I will be glad to work with you on that because I was going to actually get a judicial interpretation
- Which is basically a judicial decision that if a... ...basically a judicial decision that if an individual
- Because we did see that hers passed out of judicial, right? Yeah. of judicial, right? Yeah.
Bills:
SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/27/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, the first thing I would say is that we're talking a lot about transparency and accountability
- I mean, the first thing I would say is that we're talking a lot about transparency and accountability
- /c><01:25:57.080>
refer <01:25:57.480>re-refer <01:25:58.000>to just move to judici - uh refer re-refer to just move to judici uh refer re-refer to the<01:25:58.239>
committee <01: - To me, this is very similarly in the best interest of the park owners, because transparency provides
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Brad Tabke Press Conference 3/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- their systems without the affirmative consent of the person whose data was collected, without a judicial
- ><00:11:57.440>
court <00:11:57.600>order <00:11:57.839>or <00:11:58.000>judicial - by a court order or judicial warrant. by a court order or judicial warrant.
- who's been collected without a judicial who's been collected without a judicial warrant<00:12:23.279
- >> But it would, if anybody out of the state would like to access our data, they need to have a judicial
Summary:
At a morning press conference, lawmakers and advocates discussed a bill by Rep. Tabke aimed at tightening Minnesota’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) laws. Speakers argued that license plate data is being misused, especially in connection with immigration enforcement and “Operation Metro Surge,” and said motorists expect privacy for the personal information tied to their plates. Several individuals described incidents in which they believed federal agents used ALPR data to identify their homes, photograph their houses, or otherwise intimidate them after they had observed ICE activity.
John Beler of the ACLU of Minnesota said ALPR systems capture plate numbers, time, date, and location, and that private vendors and out-of-state agencies can access the data with little oversight. He cited public records showing large numbers of searches, including one metro agency with about 425,000 searches in six weeks and another with nearly 100 searches explicitly for civil immigration enforcement. He said the bill would prohibit sharing ALPR data outside Minnesota unless authorized by a court order or judicial warrant, require data-sharing agreements among agencies, require signage for private ALPR use, and bar sale or transfer of the data without consent or legal process.
In response to questions, speakers said the bill is intended to regulate local law enforcement and private vendors rather than federal agencies directly, by limiting how data is shared and accessed. They compared the issue to prior bipartisan concerns about driver’s license lookups and said they hoped the measure would advance out of judiciary later that morning and then to public safety, though they said they could not guarantee support or passage.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, we will begin with the Judicial Standards Commission. That is in your packet 210.
- With that, we're on the Judicial Standards Commission 210, the agency analyst.
- Also, the Commission is not part of the Judicial Unified Budget, but the agency has adopted the judiciary's
- Can you just give me one example of something that a person might complain to the Judicial Standards
- Seeing none, we have temporarily tabled the Livestock Board and the Judicial Standards Commission.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, first agenda, the 10 o'clock agenda, we have two governor's messages and a judicial communication
- Um, next up is Judicial Communication 28.
- Judicial appointee Sonia H.
- Um next up is judicial Congratulations. Um next up is judicial communication<00:01:14.960>
28. - Judicial appointee Sonia H. Toma for a term to expire in six years.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present.
After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties.
The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 2201 would move non-judicial self-admission from a paired criterion to a standalone criterion
- Judicial self-admission is already a standalone criterion, and this change aligns Texas with six other
- I'm the district attorney in the 452nd Judicial District and I'm the chair of the Border Prosecution
- These groups exploit every vulnerability in our intelligence, law enforcement, and judicial systems at
- That label people as criminals without proper judicial process.
Keywords:
overweight vehicle, vehicle weight limits, hazardous materials, hazmat, cargo tank, fuel transport, trucking, commercial vehicle, Transportation Code, criminal penalty, second-degree felony, loading violation, truck weight, axle weight, gross weight, public safety, commercial carrier, Texas, commercial truck, truck route
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 086 Part 2 Apr 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bridges concerning the provision for payment of the expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial
- Provides for the payment of expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the state
- department from the from the judicial department from the correctional<03:33:04.960>
treatment - Financial Transparency System maintenance, 1.0 FTE. School finance audit payments.
- <04:11:30.000>
System Financial Transparency System Financial Transparency System 1197,73197,731
Summary:
The committee and floor took up House Bill 1411, which concerned the Cover All Colorado program. Debate centered on whether removing the program’s cap would create an open-ended entitlement and add pressure to the state budget. Supporters and opponents argued over fiscal impacts, with several members saying the program had grown far beyond its original cost estimate and that the state needed to protect the budget and maintain a balanced plan. The bill was ultimately passed as amended.
House Bill 1412 was then considered, authorizing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use statistical sampling and extrapolation to recover Medicaid overpayments in certain provider audits, including ABA therapy and non-emergency medical transportation. Sponsors said the measure would help recapture millions in overpayments tied to fraud, waste, and abuse, and noted safeguards such as strict benchmarks, internal audit review, and a third-party audit firm. An amendment striking the word “alleged” from the bill was adopted, and the bill passed as amended.
House Bill 1413, which changes leave provisions for certain public servants, was also approved. The bill removes a statutory cap on how much sick leave state employees may earn, while leaving actual leave policies to departments and bargaining agreements, and increases annual military leave to align with federal law. Members described it as a modest employee-benefit measure in a year without across-the-board pay raises. The House also laid over House Bill 1410 until later in the day and received the committee of the whole report on a large slate of other bills. Later, Representative Richardson sought to reverse the committee’s action on an amendment to House Bill 1389, which involved the comprehensive human sexuality education grant fund, arguing the grant program should be repealed if it is no longer funded.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- the Louisiana Law Institute to study the use and application of the term 'foreign' with respect to 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 19th JDC. Thank you all so much for having us here today."
- "Lauren Stelly, I'm Deputy Judicial Administrator at the 19th JDC.
- Murray, the Judicial Compensation Commission. All right.