Video & Transcript Research : 'constitutional amendment'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill will disenfranchise eligible U.S. citizens and violate their constitutional rights.
- reserve my right to change it to a yes on the floor after I get more answers, and along with the amendment
- hopefully we can amend it to public education institutions as well.
- So I think for me I would like to see that language and do see an amendment.
- are adjourned. of a and in a U so I think for me I would like to see that language and do see an amendment
Keywords:
border security, drug trafficking, human smuggling, law enforcement funding, Arizona, public safety, immigration, military leave, national guard, employment rights, paid leave, disaster response, veterans services, education programs, funding, appropriation, Yavapai county, lawful presence, public programs, verification
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- clerk read the amendment? clerk read the amendment?
- There is an amendment. Do we have an amendment read in, please? There is an amendment.
- Any discussion on the amendment? amendment. If there are none on the amendment.
- The amendment was a way to amendment.
- . amendments. amendments.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That was actually a friendly amendment in committee that I received.
- I believe there's an amendment at the desk clerk will read the amendment.
- Amendment one: I move to amend Senate Bill 2143 by restoring the title by Senator Alvord.
- Will there be questions on the amendment? Seeing none, will there be debate on the amendment?
- Further questions on the bill as amended? Seeing none.
Bills:
SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102, SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966, SB1989, SB1191, SB1258, SB1920, SB1936, SB2143, SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157, SB1806, SB1430, SB206, SB1547, SB1849, SB1428, SB1653, SB1984, SB1644, SB1561, SB1813, SB1570, SB1796
Keywords:
education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-19-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We do constitute to We do have a quorum. We do constitute to do<00:01:50.320>
business. - It's actually a committee amendment. So, do we have a motion on the committee amendment?
- <00:17:44.960>
Um committee amendment. Um committee amendment. - amendment? amendment?
- Okay, and then we have a motion and a second on the bill as amended by the committee amendment. child
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I did not vote on the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my
- On the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my time.
- It's a part of the Constitution.
- He's explaining the bill like we're in here to discuss and amend the bill. We're not.
- Basically, it is to amend the IDEA bill that we passed last session.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This resolution was introduced before, known as the Green Amendment.
- I understand there's only been amendments or changes to the title within the amendment, or the resolution
- We're back again with the Green Amendment.
- Madam Chair, the way I found out about the Green Amendment was actually with my own community when I
- I don't think I can support the two-thirds because, as certainly as currently constituted, that would
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- a constitutional amendment.
- amendment would amend our state constitution and would forever be enshrined that way, when we are dealing
- amendment you cannot.
- Appearance cards to speak on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
- Appearance cards on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization.
The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties.
SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- amendments, 57% of Republican amendments amendments, 57% of Republican amendments amendments,<02:32:02.960
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair moves that Senate Bill 1080, without amendments, be reported favorably to the full House with
- The chair moves the Senate Bill 1080 without amendments be reported favorably to the full House with
- The Constitution unequivocally prohibits subjecting innocent individuals to arbitrary, vindictive abuses
- Furthermore, this bill raises serious constitutional concerns.
- Furthermore, this bill raises serious constitutional concerns.
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Special Session 2026 May 5th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I have um an [clears throat] amendment,<00:37:18.720>
please, amendment, please, amendment, please - The Republican Party pushed forward an effort to say that this particular amendment of the 1901 Constitution
- >
amendment. - And I amendment, this simple amendment.
- Amendment<00:48:55.800>
failed. Amendment failed. Amendment failed.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 923
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there an amendment that would need to be filed?
- This bill seeks to make amends for one of our country's original sins, which is the way that we have
- questions that we should be looking at in terms of the Constitution.
- questions that we should be looking at in terms of the Constitution.
- we should be looking at in terms of the Constitution.
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education.
Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/11/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Mr chair and members uh the Amendment Mr chair and members uh the Amendment<00:09:00.640>
uh < - <00:09:45.600>
is opposed say no the oral amendment is opposed say no the oral amendment is - wonder about the constitutional wonder about the constitutional implications<01:16:26.280>
of - Constitution or the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution?
- Senator Mann moves the A1 amendment. Or, I'm sorry, Senator Carlson moves the A1 amendment.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's start with questions on the amendment. No questions on the amendment? She's good with it.
- And then we need to adopt the amendments. Oh, do we? I'm sorry. I'm going to adopt the amendments.
- The House Cal floor amendment, ...entities.
- The House Cal floor amendment, The House floor amendment—thank you, Senator Ortiz, for taking that one
- The records is going away with one of the amendments, and that's the amendment, so it's not you're not
Keywords:
sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we do have a quorum, and we're duly constituted to conduct business.
- constituted constituted to<00:01:01.920>
conduct <00:01:02.320>business. - So, there's a motion on the bill as amended by the committee substitute. Is there a second?
- We do ask for a tweak, an amendment to this.
- The way the uh an amendment to this.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met for its third meeting of the 2026 session and considered three bills. House Bill 50, relating to the removal of persons unlawfully occupying real property, was presented by Rep. Emily Callaway, who said it built on last session’s House Bill 10 addressing squatter-related criminal trespass and noted positive implementation feedback from law enforcement. The committee took no substantive testimony against the bill and passed it 16-0, reporting it favorably.
House Bill 249, relating to involuntary commitment, was introduced by Rep. Mitch Whitaker and would expand current involuntary commitment provisions to include sexual abuse in the first degree. Whitaker and Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steel argued the change was needed because some defendants charged with sexual offenses not currently covered could otherwise be released without treatment or supervision, creating a public safety risk. Rep. Burke passed on the vote to continue the conversation but said he expected to support it on the floor. The committee passed the bill 15-0 with one pass and reported it favorably.
House Bill 305, relating to grand jury service, was presented by Rep. Candy Maserone and supported by Sheri Ballard, who described the impact of the Crystal Rogers case and said secretly recorded grand jury testimony had gone unaddressed because the statute of limitations was too short. The committee substitute extended the limitations period for secretly recorded grand jury testimony to 10 years, set a five-year period for unrecorded communications, and added discovery-related language. Jackie Steel supported the bill but asked for an exemption or clarification so prosecutors could perform grand jury duties without risking felony charges; members discussed secrecy, witness safety, and obstruction concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 305 17-0, reporting it favorably as the Crystal Rogers Act.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I was at the hearing recently in Representatives Hall about the constitutional amendment about income
- <00:18:23.840>
amendment <00:18:24.960>about <00:18:25.280>income constitutional - amendment about income constitutional amendment about income tax<00:18:26.040>
and <00:18:26.360 - recommend this house bill as amended. recommend this house bill as amended.
- But they also both would amend RSA 193-A:3.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is the amendment. The amendment.
- . amendment.
- The motion before us is on amendment amendment amendment 2025 2025 2025 1079H<03:41:05.520>
on - Now the motion is in order for the bill as amended. We have voted the amendment.
- HB553FN as amended. That is the motion. HB553FN as amended. That is the motion.
Summary:
The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1.
Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time.
The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Did not amend the bill to clearly use other materials and for that purpose only.
- >> I believe there is an amendment at the desk.
- This amendment is clearly germane.
- Far be it for me to interfere in a hostile amendment.
- There are several laws that are being amended, not just the Public Health Law.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed.
The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this amendment, Mr.
- Amendment Number 15 by Mr.
- Amendment that you called it as Amendment 22, but in effect, it's Amendment 23.
- That is why this amendment That is why this amendment is so important.
- So now that completes all the amendments of the Ways and Means amendment.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated.
The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously.
Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2210 seeks to amend several codes of, uh, several sections of code to formally recognize the
- Uh, HCR 165 basically, uh, uh, allows the constitutional amendment to allow the code, the codes to be
- So the last time the state actually came together to amend our constitution was in 1947. Wow.
- So we do need a constitutional amendment to, we do need it. OK. All right. Thank you.
- House Bill 2513 seeks to ensure 24 hour work shift constitutes one workday for the purpose of using paid
Bills:
HCR7
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our clients have a constitutional and statutory right to effective counsel in their direct appeals.
- Our clients have a constitutional and statutory right. The work is not discretionary.
- Our clients have a constitutional and statutory right to effective counsel in their direct appeals.
- The Sixth Amendment and the California Constitution guarantee counsel to those arrested for a crime who
- Where's the attention that they, the Constitution says they have a right to?
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee heard presentations on the Office of the State Public Defender, statewide public defense workloads, legal aid funding, and Judicial Branch operations. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the workload has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data work. The State Public Defender also presented findings from the California Public Defense Workload and Staffing Report, which concluded that county public defense systems are structurally understaffed, lack sufficient investigators and support staff, and operate without statewide standards; members discussed the need for phased state funding, rural recruitment, and the impact of recent policy changes such as Prop. 36. In the legal aid panel, advocates and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge described severe unmet civil legal needs, especially in eviction defense, homelessness prevention, domestic violence, and immigration detention cases, and requested a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access services, along with additional targeted investments from the California Access to Justice Commission. The committee also asked for follow-up information on services, outreach, and funding losses, including reduced federal support and the scale of the justice gap.
For the Judicial Branch, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including a $70 million increase for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, additional funding for appellate counsel and case processing, and courthouse construction and facilities funding. They said the money is needed to offset inflation, supply costs, and staffing retention problems, and to preserve access to justice through timely case processing and remote proceedings. Senators raised concerns about interpreter shortages, the difficulty of hiring staff interpreters for less common languages, and the lack of a midyear process for courts to request more language-access funding; Judicial Council staff said they reallocate interpreter funds among courts and continue to work on recruitment. The committee also pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities needs, noting that the long-term backlog is far larger than the current budget can address; Finance said the estimated need discussed previously was about $22.5 billion to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. No votes were taken during the hearing, but members requested follow-up materials and additional budget information.