Transcript Highlights:

• I'll talk about the process that leads up to sentencing individuals that involves accountable elected
• So in elected states, An elected state's attorney or one of their assistant state's attorneys, sometimes
• And you, as an accountable elected body, give those factors to an accountable elected judge.
• It's an open court process.
• It's an open court process.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there are employees who work for them who can't make more than the elected officials.
• I knew you before you were elected. We worked together on legislation on Abel accounts.
• Each voter shall present proof of identity to the appropriate election official when voting at any election
• authorized by law and conducted by a county election board or the state election board.
• Election systems in the United States.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So things like that will help make the process already more efficient.
• And I think every single one of us was re-elected or elected into this office to prioritize the ratepayers
• We are concerned about process.
• So that just happens to be where we are in our process.
• The open regulatory process that exists.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was elected in a special election to fill the seat of Pete LaValle.
• I was the only Republican elected at that time, well the second. Republican elected at that time.
• I got elected in 1976 and was here from 1977 to 1999.
• I was the first Republican elected in Denton County.
• After my service here, I was elected in 2000.

Bills: HR33, HR138, HR200, HR243, HR267, HR307, HR353, HR383, HR443, HR446, HR449, HR451, HR453, HR457, HR459, HR460, HR461, HR462, HR464, HR466, HR467, HR474, HR475, HR477, HR479, HR481, HR482, HR483, HR484, HR486, HR487, HR490, HR491, HR497, HR502, HR505, HR509, HR510, HR511, HR512, HR513, HR515, HR516, HR527, HR531, HR532, HR541, HR542, HR547, HR548, HR549, HR550, HR555, HR557, HR564, HR568, HR574, HR575, HR576, HR577, HR578, HR580, HR584, HR586, HR587, HR588, HR589, HR594, HR595, HR597, HR599, HR606, HR607, HR608, HR609, HR610, HR611, HR612, HR613, HR615, HR616, HR617, HR619, HR620, HCR65, HCR119, HR434, HR447, HR450, HR454, HR455, HR458, HR463, HR476, HR478, HR488, HR489, HR492, HR496, HR499, HR522, HR523, HR524, HR533, HR534, HR535, HR536, HR537, HR539, HR546, HR552, HR553, HR554, HR556, HR579, HR582, HR598

Keywords: autism, neurodiversity, awareness, acceptance, public health, HR 138, H.R. 138, House Resolution, Texas House, 89th Texas Legislature, Susan Christian, Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events, MOSE, retirement resolution, congratulatory resolution, ceremonial resolution, Houston, special events, city events, civic events

Transcript Highlights:

• still picking the food and processing still picking the food and processing the<00:09:09.120>
• I'm proud to stand here today with the POCI Caucus as the first Japanese American legislator elected
• I'm proud to stand here today with the POCI Caucus as the first Japanese American legislator elected
• I'm proud to stand here today with the POCI Caucus as the first Japanese American legislator elected
• I'm proud to stand here today with the POCI Caucus as the first Japanese American legislator elected

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Lawmakers and advocates from the POCI Caucus held a news conference focused on protecting recent DFL-enacted policies in a newly divided Legislature. They highlighted accomplishments from the last biennium, including earned sick and safe time, ethnic studies, unemployment insurance changes, environmental protections, and MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented immigrants, and argued these measures should not be rolled back in budget negotiations. Speakers said Republicans were pushing cuts or carveouts that would disproportionately harm Black, brown, immigrant, women, and low-income communities, and they urged the House and Governor Walz to reject those changes. A major theme was opposition to proposed carveouts to earned sick and safe time. Amanda Otero of TakeAction Minnesota said the proposed changes would remove benefits from more than 100,000 workers based on employer size, and lawmakers said sick leave should be universal. Another major topic was MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants. Representative María Isa Pérez Vega, Council Member Jason Chavez, and others argued the program is affordable, reduces uncompensated emergency care, and improves public health by expanding preventive care. Chavez and Emilia Gonzalez Avalos shared personal stories about family members who benefited from health coverage and said cutting access would worsen disparities and hurt families and communities. The event also included remarks on ethnic studies and historical memory. Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura connected the Ethnic Studies for All Act to her family’s experience with Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and Sally Sudo described her family’s removal and imprisonment under Executive Order 9066. Speakers framed these stories as warnings against scapegoating and exclusion. In the question-and-answer portion, lawmakers said they were still in negotiations but emphasized that certain protections were non-negotiable and that any compromises should be distributed equitably rather than targeting specific groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many people don't realize just how intense the committee vetting process is.
• So why are we going through this political process?
• Blanche, have you seen any videos of the January 6, 2021 election?
• Let's have an election.
• He's the duly elected President of the United States.

Keywords: nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a process, right?
• March 17th would be a potential day that a person elected in the 40B election, if that happens in March
• Um, he'll have a date for that election. work for 21 days. Is that if that work for 21 days.
• <00:10:04.200> in potential day that a person elected in potential day that a person elected
• he'll have a date for that election. he'll have a date for that election.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders in Minnesota held a press availability focused on the ongoing absence of Democratic members from the House and the resulting inability to organize the chamber. They said it was day 21 of Democrats not showing up, argued that the situation was harming Minnesotans, and tied the impasse to broader issues including fraud cases, declining reading scores, and challenges facing poultry producers affected by avian flu. Republicans said they were continuing to meet among themselves, with constituents, and with interest groups, but that committee work and public testimony were being delayed by the stalemate. The leaders described negotiations with Democrats as ongoing but said there had been no meaningful movement from the other side. They said they met that morning, planned to meet again later in the afternoon, and hoped for a substantive offer. They also said they were open to discussing common-sense changes, including ways to compel attendance, and noted that recall petitions against absent DFL House members were reportedly being prepared by the state party. One Republican said the party was committed to passing a budget on time but warned that Democrats’ posture could threaten state government later in the year if the dispute continued. A separate issue discussed was a lawsuit over Secretary of State Steve Simon’s refusal to recognize motions made by the smaller number of members present. Republicans said the motion at issue remained on the desk and that the Minnesota Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case on Thursday. They also discussed the possibility of a special election in House District 40B and said March 17 could be a key date if that election occurs. The group ended by saying they hoped to have more to report at a press conference the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee has met and reports
• House Bill 281 streamlines<00:16:55.120> the<00:16:55.360> process<00:16:56.160> for
• <00:16:56.480> churches<00:16:56.880> and streamlines the process for churches and
• Kentucky exports more than a process.
• To elections,<00:43:01.359> Constitutional<00:43:02.000> Amendments, elections, Constitutional

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, but >> Uh, there's still process ahead. Thank you. >> Uh, there's still process ahead.
• Keep in mind, because elective teachers are funded as a percentage of course staff, the number of elective
• <00:37:32.400> teachers Keep in mind because elective teachers Keep in mind because elective
• <00:37:36.640> teachers staff, the number of elective teachers staff, the number of elective
• 38:13.040> students elective staffing is reduced, students elective staffing is reduced, students

Bills: SF0059, SF0053

Keywords: language proficiency, literacy education, reading interventions, dyslexia support, Montessori methods, individualized reading plans, amateur status, high school athletics, student eligibility, sports regulation, monetary compensation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• process. So that that is my first ask. process. So that that is my first ask.
• <00:52:20.880> So mistake in the bullying process. So mistake in the bullying process.
• Um process.
• my process, what I would do. my process, what I would do.
• Is that the process? Is that the process?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions. Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies. Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• of our elected officials or the legislature being able to phone it in.
• of our elected officials or the legislature being able to phone it in.
• I mean, you're elected by the people, you have taxing authority. You should be in person.
• We worked out the details that he just described, and we're very pleased with that process.
• Okay, very good. ...described, and we're very pleased with that process. Okay, very good.

Bills: SB438, SB512, SB647, SB648, SB1495, SB2121, SB2145, SB2154, SB2167, SB2184, SB2211, SB2268, SB2349, SB2443, SB2629, SB2702, SB2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first voted out several pending bills. Senate Bill 1612 was reported favorably to the full Senate with objections sent to the local and contested calendar. The committee then adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported Senate Bills 2717, 1468, 1642, and 1789, with 1642 and 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council and add agencies to it; SB 1468 and SB 1642 were discussed as changes affecting utility and insurance-related structures; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards, with the author saying it would clarify PUC authority and create more practical statewide standards. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from Pablo Vegas, who said Texas load growth remains strong but ERCOT is adjusting its large-load forecast downward using historical delays and realization rates for data centers and other large loads. He said the adjusted forecast is still very high, but more realistic for planning, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, demand response, and the role of Senate Bill 6 in helping model large data centers as flexible load. The committee then took testimony on a series of bills and left most pending after public comment. SB 2629 would allow condominium and property owners associations to hold meetings and vote electronically; testimony supported it as a way to improve access, though some members expressed concern about overuse of virtual meetings. SB 2702 would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies instead of requiring a separate TCEQ license, and was supported as a workforce and public health measure. SB 2167 would let TDLR pause new massage-establishment license applications when an applicant is subject to a human trafficking emergency order or pending SOAH case. SB 2349 would exempt short-term residential leases and certain leasebacks from floodplain disclosure requirements while allowing the notice to be included in the lease packet. SB 2121 would tighten the data broker registry law from the prior session, and SB 2443 would allow TDLR to use electronic delivery for notices and contested-case documents. Additional bills focused on consumer protection, housing, and regulatory administration. SB 2902 would help victims of coerced debt and identity theft stop collection efforts by requiring proof such as a court order or FTC report; advocates said it would protect survivors while still preventing fraud. SB 512 would bar money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations in a way that forfeits account funds, and supporters framed it as a protection against private financial penalties. SB 2145 would allow public improvement districts and tax increment finance districts to meet virtually with at least one member physically present, while SB 2268 would give the PUC flexibility to extend Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in certain cases. SB 1495 would create an advisory board for electric vehicle supply equipment standards, SB 2154 would extend statewide regulation to delivery network companies, SB 2184 would lower the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display licenses from 21 to 18, SB 438 would expand confidentiality protections for SOAH administrative law judges, SB 2211 would treat digital products and desalinated water as industrial products to support combined energy-water projects, and SB 647 would strengthen title-theft protections by improving notice and clerk authority to reject fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after testimony, and several drew support from industry, consumer, or advocacy witnesses along with some member concerns about electronic meetings, licensing, and data accuracy.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:36.320> Um legislative subpoena process. Um legislative subpoena process.
• I didn't trust that a private process I didn't trust that a private process behind<00:27:10.880>
• I had planned to seek re-election.
• seek re-election? seek re-election? >> I<02:56:43.439> have<02:56:43.600> not.
• c><03:24:00.960> Gary<03:24:01.359> Brown, elect John Bear, elect Gary Brown, elect John

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the rulemaking process does allow for input, you know, through the entire process.
• Um, the rulemaking process does allow for input, you know, through the entire process.
• process.
• process.
• versus the SAU withdrawal process versus the SAU withdrawal<01:32:05.600> process.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:50.760> when Year's worth of primary elections when Year's worth of primary elections
• laws laws that the president is elected laws laws that the president is elected to to to uphold<
• once that takes root elections become once that takes root elections become meaningless<00:24:29.960
• schedule then they start the process schedule then they start the process slightly<03:36:14.040>
• This abuse of the asylum process is going to end.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but neglected to provide a process to appeal a board decision or order.
• Assembly Bill 2785 by the Committee on Elections, an act relating to elections.
• AB 2785, a Committee on Elections bill, streamlines the data collection process for the preparation of
• In order to streamline the process to fix signature issues and get ballots processed faster, In order
• to streamline the process to fix signature issues and get ballots processed faster, AB 2604 would have

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through a large House of Origin floor file, with the Speaker repeatedly urging members to be at their desks and keep support bills brief. Early actions included dispensing with the journal, re-referring AB 2285 to the Banking and Finance Committee, and then taking up dozens of third-reading items, with many bills passed by voice or recorded vote and others passed temporarily or retained on file. The floor debated and passed a wide range of measures on land use, housing, labor, public safety, health care, utilities, taxation, and consumer protection. Among the bills approved were measures on land surveyor review (AB 1933), nurse midwife access for pregnant and postpartum patients (AB 1696), historic-district transit zoning flexibility (AB 2415), EV charging infrastructure fees and timelines (AB 1820), foreclosure bidding protections (AB 1957), tribal cannabis commerce (AB 2506), outdoor advertising permitting (AB 2024), commercial building permit timelines and third-party plan checkers (AB 2418), DUI penalties (AB 1685 and AB 1687), utility rate transparency (AB 1715), CalWORKs work-penalty changes (AB 1755), dynamic electricity rates (AB 1787), interior designer licensure (AB 1796), compost labeling and contamination rules (AB 1812), modular housing standardization (AB 1815), small claims limits for businesses (AB 1827), Native American Day as a paid state holiday (AB 1841), hospital staffing and maternity access bills (AB 1868 and AB 1882), protective orders tied to release dates (AB 1889), and a series of public health, missing persons, and teacher credentialing measures later in the file. Several high-profile bills drew extended debate. AB 2624, expanding Safe at Home privacy protections to immigrant service providers, prompted sharp disagreement over free speech and alleged limits on online posting, but supporters said it protected workers facing threats and doxing; it ultimately passed 49-19. AB 2023, creating a framework for regulating AI chatbots used by children, was framed as a child-safety measure after testimony about chatbot-related harms and suicide risks, and passed 58-8. Other notable votes included AB 2208 on Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, AB 2299 on CalFresh/SNAP losses, AB 2115 apologizing to California Native peoples for historic state harms, and AB 2311 on public hospital physician employment; the transcript ends as the Assembly continues working through the remaining file.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<02:07:31.040> I South Carolina, and in every election, I South Carolina, and in every election
• <02:45:42.160> deniers, insurrectionists and election deniers, insurrectionists and election
• <04:59:10.958> and workers to f certify an election and workers to f certify an election and
• <05:03:29.440> the employers already do this process the employers already do this process
• Now, let's not an election by force.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• officials across our court other elected officials across our court of<00:01:57.360> justice.
• to increase those fees, what is process to increase those fees, what is the<00:42:04.240> process
• the process? the process?
• <01:03:56.559> and implementing consistent processes and implementing consistent processes
• One of the big ones is service of process. So we will get those.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the exact same process as before.
• Courts like this body are elected by their jurisdiction, and the people that vote for judges elect them
• Elected bureaucracy seems like a really bad idea. I don't have anything else to say.
• We have an in-depth fiscal process.
• Again, this bill simply removes the approval process of the budget.

Bills: SB663, SB958

Keywords: community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 958, Texas Government Code, nondisclosure, order of nondisclosure, criminal history record information, trafficking of persons, human trafficking, compelling prostitution, survivor rights, record sealing, expunction, deferred adjudication, prostitution, controlled substances, theft

Transcript Highlights:

• staff stand in the place, or do we have to determine that if a staffer can be in the place of an elected
• Do we have to determine that if a staffer can be in the place of an elected official?
• We're supposed to elect co-chairs today if we get quorum. Quorum is six people.
• Moving on to the second, do we need to move to elect the two chairs that have been presented to us?
• We're so proud to have our first mayor-elect, Cape Verdean, and we're looking forward to our first mayor-elect

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation. A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting. The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't remove judicial review as part of this process.
• Your birthday is not determined whether you are able to be involved in the electoral process.
• and you're going to be able to vote, you're going to turn 18 by the election, you should be able to
• By the election, you should be able to vote in the primary if you are enrolled in a party.
• This is saying if you're part of the process in November, you should be part of the process in June.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee chair opened by emphasizing that the committee would consider bills from any member, regardless of party, so long as they would make the judiciary more streamlined, efficient, and accessible. The committee then took up Senate Print 410, which would change how judges review jury awards in employment discrimination cases. The sponsor argued the bill would curb consistently low awards and reduce pressure on plaintiffs to settle, while a member raised concerns about limiting judicial review. After discussion, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with one member recorded without rights. The committee next advanced Senate Bill 548, authorizing the sale of a specific parcel of Forest Preserve land associated with Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility, and Senate Print 887A, a Surrogates’ Court filing bill, with a suggested amendment clarifying that initial filings may not yet have a file number. It also reported Senate Print 947, barring residential landlords from charging fees for rent payments made by ACH or online systems, and Senate Print 1142, extending the statute of limitations for employment discrimination actions. Other measures reported included the homeowner protection program bill (2627A), skier and snowboarder duties bill (3209), a constitutional amendment on voter qualifications allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 by the general election (3231), and a bill increasing county court judges in certain jurisdictions (4836A), which was referred to Finance. Additional bills advanced were Senate Print 5089 creating a residential condominium owner bill of rights, Senate Print 5288 on the proper form of exhibits in civil practice, and Senate Print 9037 exempting senior citizens from jury service, with discussion noting the bill’s opt-in feature for seniors who wish to continue serving. Most measures were approved by voice vote with little or no opposition, and the meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported onward.