Transcript Highlights:

• the State of Minnesota, and to discharge faithfully your duties as a senator to the best of your judgment
• the State of Minnesota, and to discharge faithfully your duties as a senator to the best of your judgment
• the<00:04:54.880> best<00:04:55.040> of<00:04:55.199> your<00:04:55.520> judgment
• the best of your judgment and ability? the best of your judgment and ability?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commonwealth cannot prohibit an abortion unless, in the professional judgment of a physician, it
• life of a... ...or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual, or when the professional judgment
• provided that in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion when, in the professional judgment
• protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual, or when, in the professional judgment

Summary: The joint meeting of the Privileges and Elections Committees convened with a quorum present to approve explanatory ballot language for three proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the November ballot. The committee reviewed the amendments on reproductive freedom, the right to vote, and the right to marry, with staff explaining that the committee was only approving neutral voter-facing explanation language, not the constitutional text itself. Members raised questions about wording, ballot order, and whether the explanations were sufficiently clear or potentially leading, especially on the reproductive freedom amendment. For HJ 1/SJ 1, the committee debated the explanation at length, including objections that it was misleading or incomplete and responses from counsel and supporters that it accurately tracked the amendment text. A motion to insert “Question 1” into the explanation was adopted, and the amended explainer language for the reproductive freedom amendment was then approved. The committee then moved through the right-to-vote and right-to-marry amendments, similarly adding question numbers to the explanatory language before approving the amended explanations. Recorded votes showed the amendments to the explanatory language passing on party-line divisions in both chambers, generally with Senate support from the majority and House support from the majority, while several members voted no. After approving the amended explainer language for all three amendments, the committee concluded the meeting and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• reports, there have been people on TV say it's not a matter of if but when they get billion dollar judgments
• First of all, there is no damages amount that's sufficient, and the problem is, as soon as that judgment
• If you file a lawsuit and You obtain a judgment, someone tomorrow could then file the same lawsuit and
• go try to get the same judgment, and over and over and over, and it's just a cyclical, never-ending

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment limits the plaintiff's credit bid to the amount of their judgment.
• The amendment limits the plaintiff's credit bid to the amount of their judgment.
• A plaintiff bidding more than the judgment will have to post a deposit and behave like any other bidder
• Final judgments that authorize a deviation must highlight that deviation.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to review its proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, totaling about $7.6 billion. The chair highlighted funding for the Department of Corrections, including health services, food inflation, and prison population growth; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds and higher food/medical costs; FDLE for a law enforcement apprenticeship program and officer wellness services; justice administration for court-appointed attorney rates and VOCA shortfalls; major IT projects; and court operations, including funding for 29 new judges. Members asked about where the new judgeships would go and whether staffing would accompany them, and staff said the judge positions would be listed later in a conforming bill and that associated court staff were included, but not additional state attorney or public defender staffing. Several members also asked whether the budget addressed pay and staffing shortages in state attorneys’ and public defenders’ offices, and staff said those decisions had not yet been finalized. The committee then heard public testimony from several speakers who urged more funding for prison safety, medical care, and oversight. Speakers described personal experiences involving deaths or serious harm in correctional facilities and jails, alleging inadequate medical treatment, excessive force, isolation, and failures to investigate. One speaker said her son died after being beaten and denied timely medical care in a correctional facility; another said her son was not receiving adequate health care at Charlotte Correctional; and another described her brother’s death in the Marion County Jail after repeated tasing and pepper spraying. The committee adopted a motion allowing staff to make technical adjustments and then approved the committee’s budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee also took up CS for CS SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures and foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia offered an amendment to standardize judicial sales, increase transparency, limit preferences in bidding, preserve public notice requirements, restrict plaintiff credit bids to the amount of the judgment unless a deposit is posted, and prevent deviations from statutory timelines and procedures from being hidden in court orders. Garcia said the bill was intended to close loopholes and protect homeowners, especially condominium owners, from unfair foreclosure practices. A representative for Auction.com said similar laws have been used in other states and offered to provide data. After debate, the amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably on a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> They already have a judgment. They receive the civil judgment. It's a final judgment.
• They receive the civil judgment.
• <03:14:24.560> judgment.
• <03:14:25.120> If<03:14:25.359> they judgment. It's a final judgment.
• If they judgment. It's a final judgment.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, cross motions for summary judgment are pending.
• And we are now moving to summary judgment.
• And we are now moving to summary judgment.
• And we are now moving to summary judgment.
• And we are now moving to summary judgment. >> All right.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• is involved with a health care facility in Vermont from interfering with health care providers' judgment
• is involved with a health care facility in Vermont from interfering with health care providers' judgment
• is involved with a health care facility in Vermont from interfering with health care providers' judgment
• is involved with a health care facility in Vermont from interfering with health care providers' judgment
• in making healthcare decisions judgment in making healthcare decisions or<01:11:46.520> from<

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including referral of Senate Bill 211 on motor vehicle inspections to the Transportation Committee and Senate Bill 298 creating the Vermont Voting Rights Act to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The chamber also referred House bills reported by Ways and Means to Appropriations, including H. 211 on data brokers and personal information and H. 931 on miscellaneous education law changes. JRH9, a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its opposition to rapid prompting method communication instruction for students with apraxia of speech or autism, was read and referred to Human Services. Several announcements followed, including a welcome to members of the Vermont chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, a reminder about an education reform meeting, and a correction regarding a prior reference to S. 138 of 2023 and the working group on student protections from harassment and discrimination in schools. The House also recognized guests in the gallery, including Donnie Kanovsky, who was described as a proponent of JRH9. The Speaker announced that H. 606 on firearms procedures, H. 642 on youthful offender proceedings, and later H. 585 would be bumped to later in the calendar. The House then took up H. 537, the right to grow vegetable gardens. The committee explained the bill would protect vegetable gardening in common interest communities and rental housing, while allowing reasonable restrictions and landlord or association oversight; witnesses included a South Burlington resident, HOA and landlord representatives, and legislative counsel. The committee reported an 8-0-0 vote, the House adopted the committee amendment, and ordered third reading. The chamber then passed H. 171 on Attorney General investigations into a law enforcement officer’s use of a firearm and H. 519 allowing Randolph police officers to enroll in Group C of the state retirement system. The House also passed H. 536 on toxic heavy metals in baby food products after extended debate over whether infant formula should be included. Supporters said the bill would help parents make informed choices and noted the amendment was intended to align with federal action; opponents argued formula-specific federal work was still underway and urged waiting. The chamber then passed H. 550 on gender equity in correctional facilities, H. 733 on franchise agreements, H. 775 on housing production tools, H. 887 on crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act, H. 917 on military affairs, and H. 921 on alcoholic beverages. Action on H. 930 addressing chronic absenteeism was postponed one legislative day, and H. 942 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects began second reading with the committee outlining sections on water quality training, non-sewage waste management, and unit pricing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're making a business judgment. It's financially feasible for all of us to do that.
• So they're making a business judgment that they don't, and it's the right decision for them.
• Thus, she saw no basis for vacating the lower court’s judgment.
• , the district court’s judgment, including the court-imposed map, is still in effect as of 8:15 last
• The district court’s judgment, including the court-imposed map, is still in effect.

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details. Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the answer to that is you get judgment rate of interest once the judgment is issued.
• Uh, it wouldn't be compounded. >> Pre-judgment child support. Yeah. Okay.
• rate of interest once the judgment rate of interest once the judgment<00:20:08.080> is<00:20:
• :20:08.640> if<00:20:08.720> there<00:20:08.840> was<00:20:08.960> a Judgment
• Uh, it wouldn't be compounded. >> Pre-judgment child support. Yeah. Okay. Yes, ma'am.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a statement about whether their record, judgment, and values align with the responsibilities of
• Dresser's record, I am not persuaded that that approach demonstrates the level of judgment and balance
• , and values align with record, judgment, and values align with the<00:10:55.360> responsibilities
• <00:12:09.680> and demonstrates the level of judgment and demonstrates the level of judgment
• We do not get to substitute our judgment for that of the governor.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is say that the only people who have to ever pay the fines and fees or judgments
• county officials to actually take money posted by a third party to pay for those fines and fees and judgments
• of court can't engage in legal theft of a third party's money to pay for the fines and fees and judgments
• says is if you're the criminal defendant and you incurred the fines and fees and you incurred the judgment

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended. The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means if we even if we win in the case and we get a judgment, if we get the judgment after 15 years
• That means if we even if we win in the case and we get a judgment, if we get the judgment after 15 years
• That means if we even if we win in the case and we get a judgment, if we get the judgment after 15 years
• That means if we even if we win in the case and we get a judgment, if we get the judgment after 15 years
• That means if we even if we win in the case and we get a judgment, if we get the judgment after 15 years

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two is for the office of the attorney general for judgment settlements and legal fees.
• Its capital expense funds in the amount of $796,572. for judgment settlements and legals for judgment
• Then there's another section that is judgment settlements and fees. That is 720,000. >> Okay.
• >> There's one section for judgment >> There's one section for judgment settlements<
• that is judgment settlements and fees. that is judgment settlements and fees.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 18 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine organizational business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the journal reading, and introducing pages and several visiting groups. Recognitions included the Calhoun City High School Wildcats for winning the 2025 Class 1A state championship, the Florence High School girls soccer team for winning the Class 5A state championship, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, a Kosciusko-Attala business delegation, an empowerment group from Oxford, a pediatrician of the day, law enforcement leaders, and other guests. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 63 honoring the House softball team for winning the Battle of the Tombigbee. The main floor action centered on concurrence or conference motions on several bills. The House concurred in HB 1404, HB 1546, HB 1577, HB 1265, HB 895, HB 1923, HB 1937, and HB 1940, with votes ranging from near-unanimous to 99-14 and 108-8; HB 895 was amended by unanimous consent to correct a line reference. Members explained that HB 1404 added knowingly/willfully/unlawfully language, HB 1546 shortened the human-trafficking expungement period from five years to three, HB 1577 adjusted false-claims reporting language, HB 1265 removed a repealer from the Debt Management Services Act bill, HB 895 restored 12-month card validity and a two-year caregiver license period for the cannabis bill, HB 1923 funded the Athletic Commission at $174,000, HB 1937 finalized the Library Commission budget, and HB 1940 was a large deficit/appropriations bill covering settlements, public safety headquarters construction, MIMA grants, court support, DHS software, health litigation expenses, and student aid. The House also voted to invite conference on a number of bills, including HB 1390, HB 1651, HB 1649, HB 1653, HB 1654, HB 1752, HB 1648, HB 1934, HB 1935, HB 1936, HB 1938, HB 925, HB 1640, HB 1927, HB 1928, HB 1929, HB 1930, HB 1931, and HB 1924. During debate on HB 1940, members questioned the need for outside counsel and the size of legal and settlement costs, especially for Jackson water litigation; the sponsor said the Attorney General sometimes needs specialized outside attorneys. The bill ultimately passed concurrence, and the chamber continued with additional introductions and recognitions after the major votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I mean, I think that's a question for those that make the judgment, but in my experience, I don't
• And I know it's problematic because we leave it to the prosecutors to make that judgment call when to
• And I know it's problematic because we leave it to the prosecutors to make that judgment call when to
• And I know it's problematic because we leave it to the prosecutors to make that judgment call when to
• And I know it's problematic because we leave it to the prosecutors to make that judgment call when to

Bills: SF0007, SF0008, SF0009, SF0010

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, 916

Transcript Highlights:

• be allowed to use their best judgment be allowed to use their best judgment using<01:11:37.159><
• So the school will make use of its judgment in determining in this case.
• <01:15:57.440> in school will make use its judgment in school will make use its judgment in
• where let the teacher use their judgment where let the teacher use their judgment in<01:16:13.199
• That’s not the school’s say over that; that’s a judgment of the court.”

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a declaratory judgment that our election day ballot, our ballot receipt deadlines do not
• In Massachusetts, the court, we had moved for summary judgment and the private party plaintiffs had moved
• so the lawsuits that we filed, especially the early ones, are beginning to move towards a final judgment
• We have been granted summary judgment on the merits in our favor in 14 cases.
• And so when I think about that and I think about the success rate in summary judgment, it strikes me

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We worry about the liability of a minor being able to serve adults and perhaps their judgment and experience
• being able to serve adults and perhaps being able to serve adults and perhaps their<00:05:07.440> judgment
• > experience<00:05:08.680> at<00:05:09.240> 17<00:05:10.240> a their judgment
• and experience at 17 a their judgment and experience at 17 a minor<00:05:10.680> serving<00:05

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that prior authorization denials are fair, clinically appropriate, and involve meaningful human judgment
• that prior authorization denials are fair, clinically appropriate, and involve meaningful human judgment
• They are not used to replace clinical judgment.
• <00:15:14.000> But used to replace clinical judgment.
• But used to replace clinical judgment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, someone who is um who has no assets, we call that judgment proof.
• You know, someone who is um who has no assets, we call that judgment proof.
• <01:21:07.280> And assets, we call that judgment proof.
• And assets, we call that judgment proof.
• judgment, but they have zero dollars. judgment, but they have zero dollars.

Bills: SF0087, SF0088, SF0092

Keywords: felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It substitutes the judgment of a future legislature for the assumptions of this one.
• It substitutes the judgment of a future legislator, someone.
• thinking about the precedent that sets, regardless of what this bill is about, substituting the judgment
• Cozy filed the claim in 2012 until there was a district court judgment in '23.
• Cozy filed the claim in 2012 until there was a district court judgment in 23.

Keywords: 974, senate, all