Video & Transcript Research : 'election process'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (3-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I'm voting yes to move it through the process and keep the conversation going.
- And so I'm voting yes to move it through the process and keep the conversation going.
- <00:31:44.960>
representatives that we as the elected representatives that we as the elected - So thank you this process roll along.
- Those will continue to be addressed as this process moves along, as has been said so many times.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:23
HB 503 Discussion 00:01:00
HB 503 Vote 00:02:17
HB 504 Discussion 00:02:53
HB 504 Vote 00:04:48
HB 500 Discussion 00:05:19
HB 500 Vote 00:29:18
HB 900 Discussion 00:32:02
HB 900 Vote 00:33:00, 958, all
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor.
The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review.
Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Ken Chevron was elected as the Encanto Justice of the Peace in November 2018.
- So he was elected to University Lakes Justice Court in 2014.
- So he was elected to University Lakes Justice Court in 2014.
- She is one of the longest-serving elected officials in LD9.
- She is the longest serving elected officials in LD9.
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and numerous points of personal privilege recognizing guests, including Justice of the Peace Day participants, Donate Life Day attendees, State Farm representatives, educators, rural water advocates, and other visitors. The chamber also received a House message consenting to adjournment later in the week, and the Senate agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing its work on March 11 until March 16. Several announcements were made about upcoming events, including a nurse anesthetists’ reception, Golf Industry Day, National Civic Learning Week, and other advocacy gatherings.
The Senate then considered and passed a series of bills, including SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an Obesity Treatment and Prevention Advisory Council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy and related health coverage issues; SB 1677 appropriating money for forestry and fire management; SB 1811 relating to public schools; SB 1001 appropriating money to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1072 and SB 1169 appropriating money to AHCCCS and its administration; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. Members offered explanations of vote on several measures, with support often tied to health care access, education, wildfire mitigation, and social services, while some no votes cited fiscal concerns.
The chamber also passed SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase compensation for elective state officers, with floor debate emphasizing the need to recruit and retain qualified public servants. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced SB 1170 on drug offenses, removing mandatory minimums and changing crime qualifications; SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities, with an amendment changing appointment authority; SB 1641 on marijuana producer licensure, amended to remove DHS’s annual license-number determination; SB 1752 on mescaline-related drug offenses; and SB 1740 on turquoise alert statewide training. SB 1740 was later passed on third reading, and the Senate also confirmed gubernatorial nominees for Director of Tourism, the Game and Fish Commission, and the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with committee announcements, first-reading referrals for numerous House bills, and adjournment until March 16.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/19/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the other is the process that would make the process where each landowner could at a different time
- Um, yes, there is already a process in place through the easement process.
- in place through the already a process in place through the easement<00:18:36.840>
process. - Uh normally the easement process.
- <00:19:16.880>
Uh pipeline abandonment process. Uh pipeline abandonment process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Committee on Education Policy and Committee on Education Finance - 05/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- process and changed it to Hey Jude. process and changed it to Hey Jude.
- And I'm sorry, I don't care whether it's sports or elections or anything else.
- sports or elections or anything else. sports or elections or anything else.
- We don't, and I'm not elections policy.
- >
simulations They participate in election simulations They participate in election simulations
Summary:
The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections.
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts.
Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/29/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:02:04.400>
and organizations and processes and organizations and processes and procedures - is an elective total hip which is an elective procedure<03:47:59.520>
but <03:47:59.680>that - <04:08:38.159>
they determined through whatever process they determined through whatever process - <04:08:53.000>
and it's it's a very complicated process and it's it's a very complicated process - do anything elect anything but elective elective elective stuff stuff stuff um<04:41:56.120>
you're
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- We just started this process about three years ago where we do the review process for retired judges,
- This would be a backfill of Judge Foley as elected to the circuit court.
- This would be a backfill of Judge Foley as elected to the circuit court.
- So I do have familiarity with filings and the process for civil cases.
- Mark Keem in their very first term in 2010, right when I got elected? So, yes.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a problem with pole attachment process in rural Texas.
- Well, I'm, I'm new to the process, sir.
- And we are also governed by a locally elected board of directors.
- But the point is that it is troubling whenever a process is negotiated, and then that process has not
- Uh, dispute resolution process we believe has already been settled.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- care about, so I want to thank all of you that are testifying here today for being a part of this process
- And here, of course, we have appointed judges; in other states, elected judges.
- I mean, and it's a mix of elected and appointed... ...boards of health.
- The legal process is a whole different question, but the policy has been adjudicated. Okay, Mr.
- I'm in my sixth year as an elected, repeat-elected member of the Belchertown Board of Health, an elected
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor, legislative leaders honor Melissa and Mark Hortman 2/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And she often reminded me each and every one of the people who sat in front of you have their own election
- We'll take the fight to our opponents in 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need to find win-wins
- We'll take the fight to our opponents in 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need to find win-wins
- , but in the meantime, we 2020 elections, but in the meantime, we need<00:07:12.560>
to <00:07: - I was a senior in high school who was interested in campaigns and elections.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have the most number of AAPI elected officials.
- California is just elected— our first Filipina and Tongan Americans in the state assembly and our first
- Which can add years onto the process because the counties already have the first shot to say.
- But he was back at President Reagan's side for the 1980 campaign when he was elected president.
- Spencer, as noted in this book, Ronald Reagan would never have been elected to anything.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25 - Part 1
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- time is concluding, you'll know that your time is concluding, so that we can be respectful of the process
- uh we have respectful of the the process uh we have two<00:01:23.799>
bills <00:01:24.159> - We didn't have the constraint we're coming with a more robust budget and process, so I think there's
- <00:27:34.760>
thank and maybe make it a better process thank and maybe make it a better process - elected elected leaders<00:49:04.079>
I <00:49:04.280>applaud <00:49:04.640>the
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- As is our custom, we will take elected officials out of turn.
- So with that, I know we did have some elected officials, but I don't think they're here to testify yet
- They come to the building, they write bills, they debate in committee, elect student leadership, and
- I'm my mom's only child, and she got sick 10 months into my first term as an elected official.
- For me, participating in standouts, having a presence at the polls on Election Day, all while working
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure.
Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, when I was elected in 2020...
- So should this bill pass, and we enter into the regulatory process, will the regulatory process work
- or changed FERC processes might be.
- So the police during the process, or the FOP, the DSP, during the process on the House side, did they
- So the police during the process, or the FOP, the DSP, during the process on the House side, did they
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this is creating a process in which rates would potentially increase, and I think that's going
- I think this is creating a process in which rates would potentially increase and, uh, and I, I think
- I went through this process for myself when I was commissioner of workers' comp.
- I went through this process for myself when I was commissioner of workers' comp.
- They went to an elected deal too, and they did. Most of them don't last very long. They do not.
Summary:
The committee first took up several bills and voted them out favorably without amendment: SB 2857, relating to prescription drug purchasing proof for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers; SB 1307, relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide; and SB 527, relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia for certain pediatric dental services. Each of those motions passed on a 7-0 roll call.
The main discussion centered on SB 1643, which would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for property and casualty rate changes above 10% from a previously filed rate. The chair framed it as a response to rate volatility and rising homeowners and auto premiums, while several members questioned whether it would slow a market that is already stabilizing and could encourage insurers to file repeated increases just under the threshold. Witnesses from consumer groups supported tighter oversight and argued for a lower threshold, while insurance industry representatives opposed the bill, saying Texas’s file-and-use system and competitive market work better and that the proposal could increase costs or create uncertainty. After testimony, SB 1643 was left pending.
The committee then heard SB 1642, which would replace the single Texas Department of Insurance commissioner with a three-commissioner structure and an executive director. Supporters said it could improve accountability and transparency, while opponents argued the current single-commissioner model is more efficient and avoids confusion and added cost. Witnesses also raised concerns about open meetings issues, administrative expense, and the lack of a clear model from other states. SB 1642 was also left pending.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2530, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association omnibus bill. The bill would make a number of changes to TWIA’s governance and finances, including exempting TWIA from certain taxes, moving its headquarters to a coastal county, changing board composition and voting rules, and lowering the probable maximum loss standard from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50. Supporters said the bill would strengthen TWIA’s reserve funding and improve local relevance, while opponents warned it could increase assessments, reduce reinsurance protection, and create operational risks by relocating the headquarters to the coast. The bill was left pending, and the committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/28/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not here because I think it's going to help my re-election. I don't give a no re-election.
- I'm not here because I think it's going to help my re-election. I don't give a no re-election.
- I'm not here because I think it's going to help my re-election. I don't give a no re-election.
- I'm not here because I think it's going to help my re-election. I don't give a no re-election.
- think it's going to help my re-election. think it's going to help my re-election.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- following my special election in 2017. following my special election in 2017.
- and faith drove his mission in elected and faith drove his mission in elected office. office. office
- 13:13.920>
like <01:13:14.080>Elon elect unelected billionaire like Elon elect unelected - Flooding will the last election.
- c><06:33:30.160>
the waiver to a non-elected body in the waiver to a non-elected body in the state
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (1-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:37.240>
house representative Hart be elected house representative Hart be elected house - <00:02:07.360>
by Senator Douglas be elected by Senator Douglas be elected by acclamation< - <00:02:23.640>
Senate that Senator Douglas be elected Senate that Senator Douglas be elected - They’ll lay out what their process is.
- <01:30:04.199>
a to be built uh it makes that process a to be built uh it makes that process
Summary:
The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it.
The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward.
The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection.
Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This just ensures that there is an appeal process for folks. Senator Kavanaugh, Mr.
- I will talk to them a little bit later, but we have a number of complaints against this process.
- Within 72 hours, they can start that process to start remedying that situation.
- And that's what delays the majority of the pay process.
- HB 2410, artificial intelligence, privilege, communication; Elections.
Summary:
The Senate convened, recorded attendance, dispensed with reading the journal, and recognized several guest groups, including landscape architects and FFA representatives who delivered plants to senators. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations, often after committee or floor amendments. Topics included public monies and cryptocurrency/stablecoin use by the state (SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SCR 1003, SCR 1033), attorney discipline and family court matters (SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328), public records, scholarship organizations, HOA flag rules, deed conveyances, environmental restrictions on solar radiation management, federal land acquisition consent, small modular reactors, water quality testing, and state revenue-related constitutional changes (SCR 1028). One notable procedural dispute occurred when an Epstein amendment to SB 1043 was ruled not germane; the chair’s ruling was upheld on a 14-10 division vote, and the bill later advanced without that amendment. The Senate also retained SB 1419 on the calendar.
On later calendars, the Senate advanced health and human services measures focused on Arizona’s Access program and DCS, including SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631. Testimony on SB 1115 centered on whether Access employees should be barred from remote work, with supporters arguing in-person work was needed and critics warning of staffing and service disruptions without a new facility or appropriation. SB 1233 drew discussion about a short cure period for administrative deficiencies; supporters said the bill addressed retaliatory enforcement practices, while opponents said the timeframe was too short. SB 1345 and SB 1346 also drew Access-related debate, including a floor amendment removing Access from SB 1345 and an objection that the bill could conflict with federal Medicaid law. The committee reports for these bills were adopted, and the measures were sent forward with do-pass recommendations.
The Senate also advanced regulatory and utility-related bills on another calendar, including SB 1137, SB 1144, and SB 1205. SB 1137 dealt with underground facilities excavation notification and passed with a Kavanaugh floor amendment described as stakeholder-driven technical detail. SB 1144 addressed veterinary technician certification and education alternatives and passed with committee amendment. SB 1205, concerning motor vehicle booting fees regulation, was amended to require an appeals process for private parking lots using booting services after a senator described a personal experience of paying a boot fee and receiving no response to an appeal. The calendar was still in progress at the end of the transcript, with SB 1286 just beginning to be read.
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:
- I see no elected officials. So we're going to get right started.
- Moving on, H. 1582, S. 1183, an act relative to service of civil process fees.
- First in-person Chief Robert Hoffman of Hampden County, Process Division. Okay, okay.
- Statutorily assigned function, service of process.
- Division and civil process business for the last 30 years.
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.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/10/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They have met with more than 40 elected officials in various capacities, and many more advocacy trips
- All centered around empowering young people to participate meaningfully in our democratic process.
- TO ELIMINATE MAIL-IN VOTING TO NATIONALIZING THE ELECTORAL PROCESS.
- I had just gotten elected to the Assembly.
- I had just gotten elected to the Assembly. Blew out my knee bad.
Summary:
The Senate met on March 9, 2026, approved the prior journal, and took up several procedural items, including substituting identical Senate Bill 6734A for Assembly Bill 4382A and adopting a resolution calendar with exceptions for Resolutions 1718 and 1723. The chamber also received amendments on another bill and heard multiple guest introductions, including students from Ahavas Bas Yaakov of Monsey and Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, who was recognized for her work on food and nutrition policy and health equity.
A major portion of the session was devoted to Resolution 1680 commemorating Bronx Day. Senators Fernandez, Bailey, Myrie, Serrano, Sepúlveda, Krueger, and others spoke in praise of the Bronx’s history, diversity, culture, resilience, and contributions to music, fashion, sports, and civic life. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1718 recognizing Harriet Tubman Day, with remarks highlighting Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad, her Civil War service, and her later life in Auburn, and adopted Resolution 1723 marking the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and emphasizing the continuing importance of voting rights protections.
The Senate then passed a series of bills from the calendar. These included measures on general municipal law, public health, executive law, education, vehicle and traffic law, criminal procedure, labor law, and legislative law. Several members explained their votes on health-related bills: Senator Cleare spoke about period poverty and access to free menstrual products in educational institutions; Senator Webb supported a bill requiring hospital governing boards to include a registered professional nurse; and Senator Murray, joined by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, described personal experiences with blood clots and pulmonary embolism in support of a bill creating a working group on the issue. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable negative votes, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.