Video & Transcript Research : 'centralized work reporting system'

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WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So the SAVE system is the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.
  • Those voting systems are certified pursuant to the voluntary voting systems guidelines.
  • Equity is about making government work better and making processes work better.
  • And then we just published the governor's first report, a quarterly report.
  • That's some of the work that we'll be working on as well. So, some recent updates.
Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 14th, 2026 at 01:49 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The ayes have it; committee report adopted. Opposed, nay; the Senate committee report adopted. Mr.
  • The motion carries; committee report adopted. The motion carries; committee report adopted. Mr.
  • The motion carries; committee report adopted. My perfect committee report record continues.
  • This bill would modernize our state's lobbying reporting system in order to give legislators, constituents
  • people have to report once.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jun 4th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • This completes my report, Mr. Chair. Without objection, we'll file this report.
  • It's a 2024 report, and this is a private report.
  • The audit agreed-upon procedures report for the water and sewer system was not obtained, in noncompliance
  • Page 31, we have a Wabbaseka water and sewer system, 2024, 2023. This is also a private report.
  • So we are working on it. We've been working diligently on them.
Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 29th, 2025

Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:
  • to work on.
  • With respect to reporting it consolidates duplicative reporting requirements.
  • We've long been reporting to CalRecycle We just had to start reporting on a different schedule the exact
  • This bill is supported by a broad coalition that includes the Environmental Working Group, Consumer Reports
  • The science behind these targets appears borrowed from entirely different river systems. systems, not
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Dec 2nd, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sean Burnfin from the state court system.
  • By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 62 will be reported favorably.
  • By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 62 will be reported favorably.
  • We've worked with legislators over the years to help upgrade Florida's notice system.
  • By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 380 will be reported favorably.
Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 292, by Senator Ruson, created a public records exemption for the personal information of appellate court clerks and their families. Senator Gaetz opposed the measure, arguing against public records exemptions and favoring prosecution of threats instead, while the State Court System appeared in support. The bill passed 8-1 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS for Senate Bill 62, by Senator Arrington, presented by Leader Berman. The bill would create an enforceable requirement related to candidate party affiliation qualifications and allow a qualified candidate or political party in the same race to challenge noncompliance. There was no opposition or debate, and the committee approved the bill unanimously, 10-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 380, by Senator Trumbull, which would expand options for posting legal notices online by clerks, tax collectors, municipalities, and certain constitutional officers, and the committee adopted an amendment clarifying special governmental agencies and setting a two-week online posting standard. The Florida Press Association, local newspaper representatives, and others opposed the bill, warning it would fragment public notice and reduce transparency, while Senator Trumbull and Senator Gaetz emphasized cost savings and the ability of constitutional officers to use their own websites. The amended bill passed 10-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 28th, 2025

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is everything working smoothly? Okay? Yeah, so we're working on the amendments.
  • energy system.
  • In my recent academic work at NMSU, I spent years building power grid models of energy systems, which
  • systems.
  • are gone and in 10 years their system no longer works?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • The chief clerk will report the amendment. to the Minnesota State system to combat to the Minnesota State
  • We also have a one-time system.
  • <00:14:25.240> of that we should still honor the work of that we should still honor the work
  • It needs work, repair.
  • them and we worked with the worked with them and we worked with the researchers<01:32:53.560> at<
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House took up House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy bill, which the author described as a bipartisan agreement. Representative Wolgamott highlighted a $1.5 million appropriation to Minnesota State to create an identification verification system to combat “ghost students,” a one-time $5,000 appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University, and other noncontroversial recommendations from the Office of Higher Education. He urged support for the bill and noted that amendments would be considered. The main debate centered on an amendment by Representative Rarick to change how University of Minnesota regents are selected if the legislature fails to elect them. Rarick argued the amendment would keep the governor from appointing regents outside the legislative vetting process and prevent “pay-to-play” or donor influence, citing recent gubernatorial appointments and campaign contributions. Representative Kotter offered a secondary amendment to require that any fallback appointees meet RCAC eligibility criteria and to bar candidates who had recently contributed to legislative caucuses or leadership; supporters said it would reduce the appearance of pay-to-play while preserving the RCAC process. Opponents of the secondary amendment, including Representatives Robbins and others, argued it did not address the real concern because it did not restrict contributions to the governor and would weaken the legislature’s role in regent selection. Supporters of the secondary amendment said it was a more objective, statute-based approach and raised separation-of-powers concerns with the underlying amendment. After debate, the secondary amendment failed on a 67-67 tie and was not adopted. The House then continued discussion on the underlying Rarick amendment, with members divided over legislative authority, gubernatorial appointment power, and the influence of campaign donations.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Transcript Highlights:
  • The reason is that our system often lacks centralized standards on how child welfare agencies work with
  • There is much work to be done, and I implore this committee to set the floor for that work by reporting
  • , the department will continue to be stressed within the work within child welfare system.
  • We do actually have evidence from other states that expanding mandated reporters does not work.
  • It is because much of the system just works on biases.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on a series of child welfare bills focused on DCF, foster care, mandated reporting, educational records, and family support. Chair Kennedy and Chair Livingstone opened with accessibility and testimony rules, then heard testimony on bills including S.127 on expanding mandated reporters, S.107/H.235 on a Foster Children’s Bill of Rights, S.106/H.228 on transferring foster care review from DCF to the Office of the Child Advocate, H.258/S.125 on an electronic backpack for foster children’s educational records, H.205 on kinship foster care background checks, H.246/H.266 on minimizing trauma in care and protection cases, and S.159 on support for families after sudden unexpected infant death. Supporters of the mandated reporter bill, led by Sen. Feeney and Foxborough advocates, described a local model that trains all adults who work with children and argued the state should scale that approach statewide to improve recognition and reporting of abuse. Testimony on the foster care bills emphasized the need for clearer rights, better notice to children and attorneys, stronger remedies, and independent oversight. Advocates, youth with lived experience, and legal organizations described placement instability, delayed notifications, abuse in care, poor educational continuity, and the need for rights around safety, family contact, culture, language, and access to records. Several witnesses urged that the Foster Children’s Bill of Rights include enforceable court remedies, not just reporting requirements. On the oversight bill, supporters argued DCF should not review its own foster care system and pointed to poor outcomes, high placement instability, and recent investigative reporting as evidence for moving review responsibilities to the Office of the Child Advocate. On the electronic backpack bill, testimony focused on the need for real-time data sharing and a centralized system so schools can receive foster students’ records quickly and support continuity. On the trauma-minimization bill, Rep. Miskin framed the proposal as a set of practical changes to reduce harm during removals and court involvement. On the SUID bill, Sen. Lovely said families should be given information about available grief and support resources after an infant death. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We really have been working over the last couple years to work with the community on differentiating
  • <00:07:31.919> with individuals so when you're working with individuals so when you're working
  • inome that we as a body can work inome that we as a body can work together<00:15:59.040> to
  • 07.200> with and we're doing a lot of work with and we're doing a lot of work with Community<00
  • needed findings and then the reports needed findings and then the reports with<00:24:25.200>
Summary: The committee met to hear the 2025 Social Services Block Grant preliminary plan from the Department for Community Based Services. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Executive Adviser Mary Carpenter described DCBS’s mission and explained that the federal block grant, about $21 million annually, supports Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Home Safety Services, Juvenile Services, Residential Treatment Services, and staff training. They said most of the funding goes to staff and training, and that the department uses surveys, focus groups, program monitoring, funding availability, and historical data to set annual goals. They also noted that Kentucky uses the grant to fund direct services and that eligibility is generally limited to Kentucky residents or runaway juveniles based on need and available resources. Much of the discussion focused on child welfare data and the distinction between poverty and neglect. DCBS officials said Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and that self-neglect cases have trended down in recent years, which they attributed in part to access to federal resources. For Child Protective Services, they reviewed intake and investigation numbers, noting that many calls screen out before meeting statutory criteria, while about 48,000 cases were assessed or investigated and about 8,000 were substantiated. Members raised concerns about how poverty can be mistaken for neglect, especially in rural areas, and DCBS said it has been working with the legislature, staff, and community partners to better define the difference and connect families to community supports when cases do not meet abuse or neglect criteria. Members also asked about the risk to federal funding and the impact on juvenile services. DCBS said it had not received notice that the $21 million block grant would be cut, but it is monitoring federal developments closely and would need to return to the General Assembly for a budget request if funding were lost. The department said about 30% of the federal share goes to juvenile services. Questions also covered the transition in staff training from Eastern Kentucky University to a broader statewide model, and the agency said it is expanding training opportunities and modernizing delivery. Officials discussed the MST pilot for youth, saying it is a successful evidence-based practice operating in three regions—Jefferson, Northern Bluegrass, and Central Kentucky—with positive outcomes and possible expansion. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Elections - 01/28/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • County users enter unofficial results data into the election reporting system, which is then posted to
  • then election reporting system which is then election reporting system which is then posted<00:20
  • c><00:26:39.039> that<00:26:39.240> follow reporting system in the days that follow reporting
  • is uploaded for a precinct, causing the precinct to show as being reported in the system.
  • election reporting system functions I I election reporting system functions I I think<00:55:42.160>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Five contractors working on its electrical system died. And an April 1 report...
  • Working on its electrical system died.
  • We have one more thing that we'd like to work out, and we're going to work with the sponsors and the
  • And the CEC is actually working on a report now and should be ready soon, but frankly, you know, getting
  • And the CEC is actually working on a report now and should be ready soon, but frankly, you know, getting
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move adoption of the committee report. Senators, we have a motion to adopt the committee report.
  • Many practitioners work for hospitals. They work for nonprofits.
  • Thank you for all that work. Mr.
  • We'll get to work on that.
  • We'll get to work on that.
Keywords: 996, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • system district o was the first district in the state we've been using that system and it since last
  • system because you think about it it's law enforcement reports evidence that we received everything
  • Oklahoma has 197 court reporter positions across the state. 73 of them today are vacant. 13 court reporters
  • The federal court system, some of those court reporters, are being hired at $6 figures.
  • They have a great working relationship.
Keywords: 914, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So our Florida State for system started in 1936.
  • They do an excellent work habitat restoration.
  • It's a lot of work. And so we're contracting out a lot of boundary work to ensure that we have.
  • Almost 100% of that work is being done by contractors.
  • work anywhere in the state.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee, February 12, 2026 AM

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:19.360> with uh on board uh that'll be working with uh on board uh that'll be working
  • with the commission staff clearly work with the commission staff clearly work<00:26:47.039> with<
  • work with commission staff uh who work work with commission staff uh who work with<00:26:49.679>
  • But I want to be clear that with our EMS systems, our hospital systems, our maternity care and OB systems
  • , we intend, if this is federally approved, to work hand in hand with those systems to design what these
Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • To be blunt, though, the program isn't working.
  • The work is ongoing.
  • I think about my mom and dad not being able to continue to work in the fields or work in the ag industry
  • There's still not definitions yet, but we are going to be working, and I'm going to be working closely
  • is working.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye. AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • One is a post-market system that lacks vaccine reported side effects.
  • The problem with the system is that not everything gets reported, and sometimes it's voluntarily; a patient
  • And that system also had an overwhelming number of side effects reported, and it was just closed and
  • The system also had an overwhelming number of side effects reported, and it was just closed and forgotten
  • . report. report.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (05/21/2026)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • work on behalf of so many to make this state even more prosperous.
  • <00:16:25.519> so senators and their staff that work so senators and their staff that work
  • Their trauma team, including system.
  • Um, I think we did good work on this in the Senate.
  • <04:26:41.359> and processing enrolled bill reports and processing enrolled bill reports and
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • is a modest investment in a court system is a modest investment in a court system that<00:02:29.160
  • the administrative head of the system the administrative head of the system and<00:03:44.319>
  • judicial Council we provide Central judicial Council we provide Central administrative<00:04:12.640
  • from missed work this low compensation from missed work this low compensation creates<00:21:07.640
  • <00:30:00.880> are represented in the court reporters are represented in the court reporters
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay. The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget. Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I work for New Motion.
  • distribution system for THC.
  • access monitoring report.
  • system.
  • The impact system of the current DFPS case management system was built in 1996.
Bills: SB1, SB 1