Video & Transcript : 'judiciary compensation' :
Page 159 of 481
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- It doesn't add additional workers' compensation benefits.
- It doesn't add additional workers' compensation benefits.
- It's about the workers' compensation system and the policy contained therein.
- So it just doesn't make sense from a workers' compensation policy perspective.
- So it just doesn't make sense from a workers' compensation policy perspective.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Insurance met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with most focused on workers’ compensation, insurance access, and climate-related risk. AB 815 by Assembly Member Ortega would prevent social service workers who use personal vehicles to transport or assist clients from being misclassified as commercial or for-hire drivers under personal auto policies; supporters said the current practice leads to unaffordable premiums and denied claims, while no opposition testified. AB 1329, also by Ortega, would reform the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund to reduce litigation and administrative costs; supporters said it would lower employer assessments while preserving protections for hiring previously disabled workers, and opponents said they were working on amendments but raised concerns about fund costs and eligibility language. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included AB 1125, AB 1293, and AB 1398, and later approved AB 1048 by Assembly Member Chen. AB 1048 would allow disputed unauthorized or silent-network medical payment reductions in workers’ compensation to be reviewed through the independent bill review process; supporters framed it as a transparency measure to address unexplained underpayments, while opponents argued the bill would improperly use IBR to resolve contract disputes and could conflict with existing arbitration provisions. Despite opposition, the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 1236 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez was approved with broad support. The bill would create a Climate and Sustainability Insurance and Risk Reduction Grant Program at the Department of Insurance to fund pilot projects aimed at improving insurance availability, affordability, and resilience in communities facing wildfire, flooding, heat, and sea level rise. Supporters, including the Department of Insurance, described it as implementing recommendations from the state’s climate insurance report, and several committee members asked to be listed as coauthors. AB 1336 by Assembly Member Addis, the Farmworker Heat Illness Prevention Act, also passed after extensive debate; it would create a rebuttable presumption that a heat-related injury arose out of employment when an agricultural employer failed to comply with heat illness prevention standards. Supporters said it would incentivize compliance and protect farmworkers, while opponents argued it inappropriately used workers’ compensation to enforce safety rules and raised implementation concerns. All of the approved bills were reported out to the Committee on Appropriations, and the committee adjourned after recording final roll-call votes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee May 12th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- Energy Safety doesn't set compensation values and rates.
- Second one is annual bonuses, so the short-term compensation, and the third is the long-term compensation
- Full compensation for survivors is not radical.
- So you're saying there's the executive compensation.
- Survivors frequently wait many years for compensation, and the compensation provided is often insufficient
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 47 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- intentionally blocking or preventing access to public roadways or highways, to the Committee on the Judiciary
- intentionally blocking or preventing access to public roadways or highways, to the Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The House convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up a report from the Committee on Rules. The committee recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 for two petitions filed by Rep. Colleen M. Garry: one concerning credit card surcharges, referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and another concerning penalties for protests that intentionally block or prevent access to public roadways or highways, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The House approved the suspension of the rules and then approved the suspension of Joint Rule 12 for both petitions.
The House also adopted an order, offered by Rep. Mariano, to adjourn and reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. In addition, Rep. Murray moved that the House adjourn in memory of Lou P. Burton-Aze, noting his service in the House from 1969 to 1978 and in the Senate from 1978 to 1995. That special adjournment was adopted.
Finally, Rep. Merrian moved that the House adjourn, and the motion carried. The House adjourned to meet Tuesday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- From the job was included, and they weren't disqualified from workers' compensation claims.
- The idea that there's some sort of double recovery in workers' compensation is fictitious.
- That's the status of Missouri workers' compensation today.
- That's the status of Missouri workers' compensation today.
- Valid as in the sense it's a compensable claim under the Missouri workers' compensation law. Okay.
Committees:
House Insurance , House Insurance and Banking
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill did not come through judiciary, so it came to my attention later in the process.
- </c><00:44:48.800><c> committee,</c><00:44:49.599><c> we've</c> through the judiciary committee, we've
- through the judiciary committee, we've had<00:44:49.920><c> a</c><00:44:50.079><c> bipartisan</c><00
- Uh this bill did not come through judiciary.<00:44:57.440><c> So</c><00:44:57.520><c> it</c><00:44:57.680
- So it came to my attention um judiciary.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll move House File 1916 to be re-referred to the Judiciary Committee.
- That's a perfect discussion for the Judiciary Committee as well, where it is headed. Thank you.
- So I will renew my motion to re-refer House File 1916, as amended, to the Committee on Judiciary.
- okay the uh the bill has been Judiciary okay the uh the bill has been uh<00:53:07.119><c> let's</c>
- The bill is re-referred to Judiciary, and I think that is all.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I know what it feels like for people who say they're worried about coming before the Judiciary
- Chairman, I know what it feels like for people who say they're worried about coming before the Judiciary
- Chairman, I know what it feels like for people who say they're worried about coming before the Judiciary
- Chairman, I know what it feels like for people who say they're worried about coming before the Judiciary
- Chairman, I know what it feels like for people who say they're worried about coming before the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome.
After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later.
Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint House-Senate Subcommittee on Claims 4/30/26
Transcript Highlights:
- The court appointed a compensation panel.
- Wold. compensation panel. compensation panel.
- The court appointed a compensation panel.
- The court appointed a compensation panel.
- The court appointed a compensation panel.
Summary:
The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items.
The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations.
The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working.
In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate bill has been assigned over to the Joint Committee on Judiciary, and that is what the panel
- there are thousands of these cases clogging our district court system and putting pressure on our judiciary
- there are thousands of these cases clogging our district court system and putting pressure on our judiciary
- there are thousands of these cases clogging our district court system and putting pressure on our judiciary
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions.
A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations.
Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- begin with any questions or comments, I would like to make a note that the motion is due pass to Judiciary
- The motion is do pass to Judiciary Committee with the amendments to be processed in that committee.
- The motion is due pass to Judiciary Committee, with the amendments to be processed in that committee.
- The motion is due pass to the Judiciary Committee, with the amendments to be processed in that committee
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee.
SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations.
SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- were some amendments that addressed that and make sure that the legislature is not dictating to the judiciary
- how to handle their business. make sure that the legislature is not dictating to the judiciary how to
- I'll get on my soapbox and say, we're not the judiciary.
- I don't think we should be telling the judiciary how to run their stuff, and they shouldn't tell us how
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Summary:
The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case.
Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups.
The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor's Message Nos. 796 and 797 are referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
- to the numbers 796 and 797 are referred to the Committee<00:16:03.800><c> on</c><00:16:04.040><c> Judiciary
- </c> Committee on Judiciary. Committee on Judiciary.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And this will be another learning experience and work I'd like to do to serve our citizens and our judiciary
- I'm proud to be a member of the Idaho judiciary.
- Idaho Judicial Council is one I welcome, with the responsibility to help maintain a strong Idaho judiciary
- and to help make our judiciary even stronger.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 064 Mar 19th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Judiciary Committee, we are going to be meeting at 1:30 in room 107.
- </c><00:22:24.080><c> Judiciary</c> Thank you, Madam Speaker. Judiciary Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- Judiciary Committee,<00:22:25.800><c> we</c><00:22:26.000><c> are</c><00:22:26.080><c> going</c><00:22
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from the previous day, and heard several announcements about committee schedules and visiting groups, including Greeley Day at the Capitol and students from Wildcat Mountain Elementary. Committee notices covered upcoming hearings in Judiciary, Business Affairs and Labor, Education, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Health and Human Services, and Capital Development.
The main floor action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1022, which designates a portion of Arapahoe Road in Boulder County as the “Road of Remembrance.” Sponsors and supporters described the history of the World War I memorial effort, the stone pillars at Arapahoe Road and US 287, and the current effort to preserve and relocate the pillars while marking the roadway. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing veterans’ remembrance and historic preservation.
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 60-0, with five excused, and Representative Bottoms was added as a co-sponsor. Afterward, the House heard additional recognitions for advanced placement students and an announcement that the majority leader had paid outstanding fines. The chamber then laid over the balance of the calendar until the next day and recessed later in the day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 19th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- re-refer the following bills to committee: AB 1544, Krell, from the Public Safety Committee to the Judiciary
- AB 1870, Flora, from the Local Government Committee to the Labor and Employment Committee and the Judiciary
- AB 1870, Flora from the Local Government Committee to the Labor and Employment Committee and the Judiciary
- Monday, March 23rd: floor session at 1 p.m. and the joint convention at 3:45 for the State of the Judiciary
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a largely ceremonial and procedural floor session. Speaker Revis delivered remarks condemning the sexual abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez and said he would work with Senate leadership on legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day. The body also handled several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and guest introductions for visiting students, advocacy groups, and university representatives.
The main substantive actions were on a series of resolutions. H.R. 83, recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, drew extensive personal testimony from Assemblymembers about family members and constituents with disabilities, the need for inclusion, and the importance of state funding and direct support services; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. ACR 154, recognizing California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day, was similarly supported with personal stories about family members with Down syndrome and the need for continued awareness and services; it was adopted after 67 co-authors were added. ACR 148, designating Family Physician Week, highlighted the shortage of primary care doctors and the importance of investment in family medicine; it was adopted after 60 co-authors were added. ACR 156, recognizing National Day of Play, emphasized social connection, reduced screen time, and community engagement; it also passed with 60 co-authors added.
The Assembly also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 125 related to Ramadan, by a 60-0 vote. Later, members gave an adjournment in memory for Raymond Martin Melgoza, a union laborer and community member from the Central Valley. The session ended with announcements about the schedule, including no floor session on March 20 and a mandatory joint convention on March 23 for the State of the Judiciary address, followed by adjournment until March 23 at 1 p.m.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- other committee reference, even though typically on these criminal penalties bills would go to the Judiciary
- And you mentioned that normally these types of bills would go to Judiciary.
- We just today in Judiciary had a bill that did increase penalties for vehicular manslaughter, I believe
- I would recommend any such bills go to the Judiciary Committee just because they know what they passed
Summary:
The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed.
The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that bill should have gone to, as far as I'm concerned, should have gone to ENR instead of Judiciary
- concerned, should have gone to ENR<00:05:28.560><c> instead</c><00:05:28.960><c> of</c><00:05:29.560><c> judiciary
- But</c><00:05:30.720><c> be</c><00:05:30.960><c> that</c><00:05:31.120><c> as</c> ENR instead of judiciary
- But be that as ENR instead of judiciary.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on SB 302, a bill requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Members discussed and adopted amendment 2025-2219H, which incorporated language from prior Senate and House amendments, including provisions related to the siting evaluation committee and changes affecting landfill expansions and additional cells. The amendment also folded in language from HB 616, the animal cruelty/due process bill, which members said clarifies probable cause, imminent danger, temporary protective custody, and the role of the state veterinarian or designee in animal seizure decisions. Several members emphasized that the bill does not bar seizure of animals in emergencies or prevent nonprofits from fundraising, and that the changes are intended to strengthen due process and reduce conflicts of interest.
The committee voted 12-0 to adopt the amendment. It then voted 12-0 to give SB 302 an OTPA recommendation with the amendment included. After the vote, the director raised a concern that the amendment appeared to eliminate the waste management council and related appeal provisions in the governing statutes; members acknowledged the issue and said it was intentional or at least acceptable to address later in committee of conference, where they expected further changes. The committee then agreed to place the bill on the consent calendar.
After concluding the executive session, the committee discussed an afternoon field trip to research farms in Lee and Durham. They also accepted an invitation to visit a farm in Fremont on May 30 at 10:00 a.m., with the address provided as 63 South Road, Fremont, New Hampshire.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to go ahead and call the Judiciary Committee meeting to order. Lisa, certainly.
- We have some returning members to Judiciary in this new term, but we have some new members.
- I'm Tom Sabiel, the staff director, and starting from the left over there is the judiciary team with
- We are so grateful, as those in the judiciary, for the education and the support that the Legislature
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Those reasonable investment-backed expectations, they could be viable for taking and have to compensate
- But again, again, the judiciary has been hesitant to step in and want the legislature to act.
- I introduced the concept of compensation and mitigation as a remedy, but if you follow your train of
- for your neighbor I introduced the concept of compensation and mitigation as as a remedy but if you
- Okay, and also is there some other way to compensate the neighbors besides a deeper water well?
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session.
Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties.
TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 48 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Day of Stoneham moves that the petition be referred in non-concurrence to the Committee on Judiciary.
- The petition will be referred in non-concurrence to the Committee on Judiciary. Mr.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up committee reports recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 for two House petitions from Colleen M. Garry: one to establish an opt-out admissions lottery process for charter schools, referred to the Committee on Education, and another concerning income tax deductions for certain school expenses, referred to the Committee on Revenue. The House approved the suspensions and then recessed subject to the call of the Chair.
The House later received a Senate petition filed by Cindy F. Friedman and Andrea Joy Campbell to strengthen health care protections in the Commonwealth. The House concurred in suspending Joint Rule 12 for the petition, but on motion of Mr. Day it was referred in non-concurrence to the Committee on Judiciary rather than the Committee on Health Care Financing.
The House then adopted an order setting its next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to meet then in an informal session.