Video & Transcript : 'judiciary appropriations' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/12/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I will call this committee meeting for the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee to order.
- It's always great to be back in the judiciary committee.
- I</c><00:02:51.360><c> was</c><00:02:51.440><c> on</c><00:02:51.599><c> the</c><00:02:51.680><c> judiciary
- </c><00:02:52.480><c> I</c> when I was on the judiciary committee.
- I when I was on the judiciary committee.
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Facts on the record would be appropriate, I believe.
- If that were to occur, we certainly would take corrective action and work with the appropriate appointing
- the Governor, the Senate, the Assembly, as well as the Supreme Court, and to take action in the appropriate
- “And now going back to the Girardi fiasco, I was part of Judiciary Committee, and there was a specific
- hearing where your predecessor came before the Judiciary Committee to answer a number of questions.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, having under consideration HB 2752 relating
- It would also require that when the legislature provides an appropriation for a new office in another
- It would also require that when the legislature provides an appropriation for a new office in another
- President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration HB 2805 relating to
- President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration HB 467 relating to voter
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing Maricopa County Community Colleges Day at the Capitol, the Doctor of the Day, Glendale Community College leadership, and other visitors. The chamber also received a gubernatorial communication withdrawing Holly Prangman’s nomination to the State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
The body then considered multiple bills in Committee of the Whole. Measures advanced included HB 2342 on planned communities/HOA-related provisions, HB 2456 on small modular reactors and energy siting, HB 2457 on power plant and transmission line siting, HB 2752 on Commerce Authority trade offices, and HB 2923 on mental health court-ordered treatment, with several floor amendments adopted. Additional bills were also advanced from later calendars, including HB 2249 on parents’ bill of rights remedies, HB 2482 on school facilities and building renewal grants, HB 2895 on Native American language instruction certification, HB 2661 and HB 2662 on family law/parenting issues, HB 2793 on annexation procedures, HB 2805 on electronic signatures and nomination petitions, HB 467 on voter registration status, HCM 2005 on foreign government property ownership, HCM 2006 on Endangered Species Act reform, HB 2641 on PFAS firefighting foam prohibition, HB 2673 on incarcerated persons and mental illness treatment, HB 2745 on legislative subpoena/contempt, HB 2763 on shooting range closure conditions, and HCM 2011 on Mexican wolf delisting.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several measures. HB 2035 on child welfare and placement passed 17-10, with senators citing concerns about kinship care definitions and LGBTQ exclusions. HB 2109, HB 2189, HB 2244, HB 2440, HB 2594, and HB 2932 all passed by varying margins, and HCM 2007 on renaming State Route 69 also passed. HCR 2059, supporting county sheriffs, passed after debate over the “supreme constitutional authority” language, with some senators objecting to what they described as a conspiratorial framing and others defending sheriffs’ constitutional role. SB 1503 on first responders’ state death benefits passed with the required emergency and supermajority votes, and HB 2342 and HB 2456 later passed on third reading. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee on HB 2000 and adjourned until April 16, 2026, after announcing several conference committee meetings.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Judiciary Committee is called to order. Representative Contreras? Representative Diaz?
- I am the research analyst for the Committee on Judiciary.
- It’s something that I think is appropriate.
- Attorney's Office, where they had submitted by law enforcement, where prosecutors were not able to appropriately
- Attorney's Office, where they had submitted by law enforcement where prosecutors were not able to appropriately
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a full roster of members present and heard a series of bills focused largely on criminal law, victims’ rights, and family law. The committee first heard HB 2133, which would require commercial websites distributing sexual material online to verify consent and age for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images. Supporters said it would close loopholes in existing revenge-porn and child-exploitation laws, while opponents warned it added more complexity to already lengthy criminal statutes. The bill passed 7-1. The committee then heard HB 2043, expanding felony murder to include unborn children; supporters argued it would close a gap in the homicide statutes, while opponents raised concerns about personhood, reproductive rights, and abortion-related implications. It passed 6-2. HB 2144, allowing child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limiting pregnancy-related expenses, also passed 6-2 after testimony split between supporters citing parental responsibility and opponents warning about fetal personhood and abortion-related concerns.
The committee next considered HB 2126, allowing a venue change in civil actions when a party is employed by the local judicial branch or clerk’s office. The sponsor described it as a fairness and public-confidence measure, and county representatives said they were working on amendments; it passed 7-0 with one member voting present pending amended language. HB 2045, expanding the definition of discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle to include the immediate area around the vehicle, drew testimony about drive-by shootings and concerns about vagueness and overlap with existing homicide laws; it passed 7-1. HB 2046, requiring notice to victims for pre-hearings in annual probation review hearings for certain young sex-offense probationers, passed unanimously. HB 2048, which would limit private process servers from serving certain exclusive-possession orders of protection, prompted debate over victim safety, service delays, and whether private servers were improperly charging fees; it passed 8-0 with one present.
The committee also heard HB 2074, as amended, creating a mandatory reporting requirement for medical-facility employees, contractors, or volunteers who know a partial-birth abortion occurred, with the amendment increasing the penalty to a class six felony. Supporters framed it as a reporting and accountability measure, while opponents argued it targeted a procedure already banned and would add unnecessary abortion restrictions. The amended bill passed 5-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 264, creating criminal penalties for injuring or killing vulnerable pedestrians using mobility aids. Opponents said it duplicated existing traffic and homicide laws and could criminalize negligent accidents; after some members expressed reservations but voted yes pending further discussion, the bill passed 8-1. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Judiciary Committee is called to order. Representative Contreras? Representative Diaz?
- I am the research analyst for the Committee on Judiciary.
- It's something that I think is appropriate.
- It's something that I think is appropriate.
- Attorney's Office, where they had submitted by law enforcement where prosecutors were not able to appropriately
Committees:
House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Not every book is appropriate for every reader. That is very true.
- I'm very glad I'm not on Judiciary. So, Mr. Chairman, I do call through them, yeah.
- Well, and appropriations has an extra week, so that might be appropriate.
- Appropriations does have an extra week.
- So often, if a bill is double-assigned, the second committee is Appropriations, and Appropriations will
Bills:
SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1435 , SB1567 , SB1571 , SB1686 , SB1745 , SCR1024 , SCR1025 , HB2671 , HB2676 , HCR2044
Keywords:
county boundaries, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Yavapai, Yuma, La Paz, local governance, Arizona Revised Statutes, Maricopa county, county division, new counties, intergovernmental agreements, special election, shared use agreements, education, explicit material, parental consent, student protection, library access
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- We need a step up or a step down to the appropriate level of care.
- </c> centers, some people from the judiciary centers, some people from the judiciary and<00:31:33.760
- get the appropriate level of care.
- get the appropriate level of care.
- get the appropriate level of care.
Committee:
House Health Services
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I ran down from judiciary because I didn't down from judiciary because I didn't down from judiciary because
- I Well, whoa. at the appropriate time. I Well, whoa. at the appropriate time. I Well, whoa.
- So, at the appropriate appropriate time. So, at the appropriate appropriate time.
- I have the amendment at the appropriate time. the amendment at the appropriate time. the amendment at
- the appropriate time.
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1, the general appropriation bill, outlines how the state will allocate funds for the upcoming
- The ancillary bill appropriates funding to 11 budget units.
- Also, HB.383 has appropriation for each agency as follows.
- Okay, Appropriations, House Bill 983. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- House Bill 983 appropriates funds for expenses of the Louisiana Judiciary, including the Supreme Court
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
Senate Finance met on May 21, 2026, with nine members present. The committee first recognized Mother Pearl Porter during a personal privilege presentation by Senator Boudreaux. It then took up the major budget measures for fiscal year 2026-27, beginning with HB 1, the general appropriation bill. The committee heard that the state budget was about $46.6 billion and that recent Revenue Estimating Conference revisions required reductions in recurring spending. Amendments removed new funding for GATOR and increased MFP amounts, while also directing Revenue Stabilization Fund dollars toward infrastructure, economic development, and local government needs. The committee adopted amendment set 4238 and reported HB 1 as amended, with authority for technical changes.
The committee next considered HB 312, the supplemental appropriations bill for the current fiscal year. Members were told the amendments balanced the budget to the May REC forecast through a net reduction in state general fund spending, including savings in Medicaid and other agencies, while covering updated costs such as medical vendor administration, DCFS operations, DOC offender medical expenses, and disaster-related costs. Amendment set 4239 was adopted, and HB 312 was reported favorably as amended. HB 2, the capital outlay/infrastructure bill, was then amended with set 4230 and reported as amended. HB 3, the omnibus bond act authorizing bond usage for HB 2, had no amendments and was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced HB 313, the funds bill, which includes the constitutionally required deposit of $144.3 million of FY 2025 surplus into the Budget Stabilization Fund and various transfers and fund adjustments. Amendments expanded or created several funds and mechanisms, including infrastructure and economic development-related funds, and HB 313 was reported favorably as amended. HB 314, the revenue sharing bill distributing the constitutionally mandated $90 million to local governments, was reported favorably without amendment. HB 383, the ancillary appropriations bill for fee-supported agencies, received amendment 3138 and was reported favorably as amended. HB 983, funding the judiciary, was amended to remove judicial pay adjustments and instead fund a possible transfer of the integrated criminal justice information system to the Supreme Court if SB 141 becomes law; it was reported favorably as amended. HB 1126, the legislative branch appropriations bill, was amended and reported favorably as amended. Finally, HCR 3, the hospital stabilization resolution used to support Medicaid hospital reimbursements, was amended to give LDH more flexibility on the timing of directed payments and preprint submissions, then reported as amended. The committee adjourned after a motion to do so.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that an additional penalty that is appropriate?
- Speaker, your appropriations. Mr. Mr.
- </c><01:22:44.239><c> to</c> committee number two appropriations to committee number two appropriations
- </c> number two appropriations. Mr. Mr. number two appropriations. Mr. Mr.
- </c> your committee number two appropriations your committee number two appropriations will<01:29:38.880
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- February 17, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal of the proceedings
- February 17, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Joint Memorials 110 and 111,
- Senate Bills 1308 and 1309 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
- Senate Bill 1311 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
- Senate Joint Memorial 108 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for transmittal to the
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Good afternoon, Judiciary Committee. >> Good afternoon, Judiciary Committee.
- Funds in the account, upon appropriation by the legislature, shall be continuously appropriated to the
- </c> Funds in the account upon appropriation Funds in the account upon appropriation by<01:10:02.000>
- </c><01:10:06.000><c> to</c> um shall be continuously appropriated to um shall be continuously appropriated
- appropriate appropriate standard, but appropriate appropriate standard, but there<01:16:39.120><c> really
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 29th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 312 by Representative McFarland, to appropriate funds, make certain reductions from certain
- One of those was the deposit of certain cash balances of state funds appropriated to the Department of
- House Bill 983 by Representative McFarlane to appropriate funds. Next bill.
- House Bill 983 by Representative McFarlane to appropriate funds for the expenses of the Louisiana judiciary
- Colleagues, House Bill 983, the Judiciary Bill, includes Senate amendments.
Bills:
HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB66 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB145 , HB159 , HB167 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB316 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB511 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB799 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1095 , HB1126 , HB1129 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1230 , HB1235 , HB1249 , HB723 , HB36 , HB140 , HB181 , HB198 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB302 , HB335 , HB342 , HB487 , HB513 , HB623 , HB682 , HB730 , HB740 , HB761 , HB775 , HB797 , HB812 , HB816 , HB940 , HB968 , HB979 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1038 , HB1049 , HB1084 , HB1161 , HB1194 , HB1199 , HB1201 , HB1203 , HB1247 , HB1256 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB237 , SB250 , SB405 , SB406 , SB414 , SB433 , SB480 , SB513 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB134 , HB1117 , SB42 , SB274 , SB382 , SB449 , SB300 , HR74 , HB463 , HB715 , HB998 , SB80 , SB268 , SB444 , SB479 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469
Summary:
The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received Senate messages, committee enrollment reports, and a series of House resolutions. Members adopted or advanced numerous resolutions recognizing individuals and institutions, expressing condolences, and creating or continuing study task forces on topics including homeownership assistance, speech-language pathology assistant licensure, clean water, Medicaid reporting, voter accessibility, air monitoring, fire chief operations, maternal health, and other issues. Several Senate resolutions were also concurred in, and personal privileges were used to recognize the family of Susan Ann Taylor Bidding and to commend Anita Whitaker LaFontaine and her father, Green Whitaker, Sr.
The House then moved through Senate bills on final passage. Bills approved included measures on registrar of voters compensation, dental coverage related to cancer treatment, paid parental leave planning for educators, election supervisor compensation days, weight management services, nursing facility quality oversight, a Slidell hotel occupancy tax subject to voter approval, medical debt interest-rate limits, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss medications, a shrimping-related butterfly net exception, public works design-build contracting, and a municipal lead-service-line replacement measure. Some bills were temporarily returned to the calendar, including measures on water utility service lines and registrar compensation, while others passed with strong bipartisan margins.
The chamber also considered Senate amendments to many House bills and concurrent resolutions. Members concurred in amendments on topics such as hospital stabilization, student loan access for certain professional degrees, rural economic development, behavioral health and school policies, retirement and compensation provisions, food labeling, climate-change litigation, school emergency plans, anti-cancer medication coverage, domestic abuse procedures, and several infrastructure and workforce measures. A few bills were rejected for further conference, including some retirement, alternative power, and AI-related provisions. The session ended with the House taking a one-hour recess for lunch, with instructions to return by 12:45.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 29th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- sources to be allocated to designated agencies for the purpose of making supplemental appropriations
- House Bill 983 by Representative McFarlane to appropriate funds.
- House Bill 983 by Representative McFarlane to appropriate funds to defray expenses of the Louisiana judiciary
- Colleagues, in House Bill 983, the Judiciary Bill, the Senate amendments appropriated $5,892,093 in statutory
- House Bill 1126 by Representative McFarland, to appropriate funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to defray
Bills:
HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB66 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB145 , HB159 , HB167 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB316 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB511 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB799 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1095 , HB1126 , HB1129 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1230 , HB1235 , HB1249 , HB723 , HB36 , HB140 , HB181 , HB198 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB302 , HB335 , HB342 , HB487 , HB513 , HB623 , HB682 , HB730 , HB740 , HB761 , HB775 , HB797 , HB812 , HB816 , HB940 , HB968 , HB979 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1038 , HB1049 , HB1084 , HB1161 , HB1194 , HB1199 , HB1201 , HB1203 , HB1247 , HB1256 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB237 , SB250 , SB405 , SB406 , SB414 , SB433 , SB480 , SB513 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB134 , HB1117 , SB42 , SB274 , SB382 , SB449 , SB300 , HR74 , HB463 , HB715 , HB998 , SB80 , SB268 , SB444 , SB479 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469
Keywords:
oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I am presenting Senate Bill 119 that came from the Judiciary Committee.
- So I see we were calling for a $25 million appropriation.
- The substitute took the appropriation out.
- Language that appropriates whatever the balance ends up being.
- The providers the appropriate GRT.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon July 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the judiciary. Yes. the judiciary. Yes.
- So, we've had discussions with the judiciary over it.
- I've not personally seen ICE officers in our courthouses, but we've had conversations with the judiciary
- Um, what we've sort of outlined to the judiciary is that...
- are safe places because we want people to be able to access judiciary services.
Summary:
The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order.
A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13.
Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Conclude from the Judiciary Committee.
- 9 ayes and 3 nays from the Judiciary Committee.
- From the Judiciary Committee, Senate Bill number 108 receives a favorable report by a vote of 12 ayes
- and 0 nays from the Judiciary Committee.
- Senate Bill number 47 receives a favorable report by a vote of 12 ayes and 0 nays from the Judiciary
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Yelana Baker, staff to the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
- Adams, staff with the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
- Adams, staff with Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
- You know, this work is subject to annual appropriations.
- Understand that it's, you know, we could decide to appropriate.
Summary:
The committee began with a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 1592, which would change how state public defense funds are distributed and, in the substitute version, keep current law on state funding responsibility while revising the allocation formula. Staff explained the bill would shift county and city distributions to a pro rata, caseload-based model, allow very low-density counties to request OPD to provide some or all public defense services, require additional data collection and reporting, and direct OPD to study caseload reductions and retention. Representative Peterson said the bill is meant to create a better structure for future state support of indigent defense without the very large cost of the original proposal. Testimony from counties, cities, OPD, defenders, and local officials was strongly supportive, emphasizing a statewide public defense crisis, rising local costs, staffing shortages, and the need for a fairer funding model.
The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 1742 on environmentally sustainable urban design and Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system regulation and water rates. HB 1742 would create a center in Ecology to promote sustainable urban design, fund design competitions and grants, and establish an advisory council; the sponsor said the bill reflects a desire to support a pilot project through alternative funding, and there was no public testimony. HB 1906 would require more planning and notice for Group A water systems, add customer notice and right-of-first-refusal provisions for some ownership changes, and direct the UTC to consider external funding sources, capital planning, and rate smoothing when setting water rates. Water utility and PUD witnesses supported the goal of improving transparency and consolidation of failing small systems, while noting the substitute reduced some fiscal concerns.
The committee also heard HB 2248 on Secretary of State corporate and charity filings, HB 2438 creating the SEED scholarship for early childhood education students, and HB 2515 addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers. HB 2248 would redirect part of annual filing fees to the Secretary of State revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofits and LLPs, and change trademark certificate procedures; the fiscal note showed modest revenue losses, and the division supported restoring the fee split for operational funding. HB 2438 would transfer $10 million annually from the GET account to fund scholarships and wraparound services for early childhood education degree seekers, with testimony from early learning advocates and a student describing workforce shortages and personal financial barriers. HB 2515 drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it would protect ratepayers, water resources, and grid reliability by requiring tariffs, reporting, clean-energy requirements, and a fee on large energy users; opponents argued it singled out data centers, could hurt investment and jobs, and included unrelated labor and procurement provisions.
After public testimony, the committee moved into executive-session briefing on several bills and amendments, including HB 1903 on statewide low-income energy assistance, HB 1909 on a court unification task force, HB 1982 on vacating certain convictions tied to treaty Indian rights, HB 2034 on LEOFF Plan 1 retirement changes, HB 2105 on employer notice of federal I-9 audits, HB 2210 on ranked-choice voting, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier obligations, and HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments, with several changes aimed at reducing or shifting fiscal impacts, narrowing agency duties, or striking provisions entirely.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> can be handled by the appropriate can be handled by the appropriate authorities.<01:32:20.320><c
- </c><02:16:32.000><c> and</c> the committee on appropriations and the committee on appropriations and
- </c><02:16:37.439><c> Without</c> appropriations and revenue. Without appropriations and revenue.
- To Appropriations and Revenue, House Bill 652. To the Judiciary, House Bill 653.
- To the judiciary, House House Bill 652. To the judiciary, House Bill<02:37:58.560><c> 653.
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action.
The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1.
The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
- Welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and I want to thank Assembly Member Erins for subbing in
- That being said, I do want to thank the Senator and my staff, Nick, and my staff on the Judiciary Committee
- That being said, I do want to thank the Senator and my staff, Nick, and my staff on the Judiciary Committee
- That being said, I do want to thank the Senator and my staff, Nick, and my staff on the Judiciary Committee
Summary:
The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee setting to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “Lemon Law” process. Senator Umberg explained that the measure is intended to preserve the compromise reached last year while allowing automakers to opt out of the new framework and return to the prior law, with the goal of speeding up discovery and helping consumers resolve claims more quickly. Committee members and the author also noted the bill’s connection to concerns about court congestion and the need to revisit the law as vehicle technology evolves.
Support came from Consumer Attorneys of California, Toyota, and several automakers and manufacturers, including General Motors, Rivian, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes. Toyota said the bill gives automakers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the negotiated deal. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it preferred more manufacturers opt out, but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader impact on consumers with defective vehicles.
After quorum was established, the committee took up the motion and passed SB 26 on a roll call vote, with all members present voting aye. The chair thanked the stakeholders for reaching a compromise and indicated the bill would move forward, with immediate referral anticipated after floor action.