Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial reporting'
Page 180 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, SB 308 is reported favorably. Congratulations. Members, we will now take up tab two.
- And with that legal requirement is that funding is law enforcement and they provide judicial services
- This report was produced by EDR, the Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
- This report was produced by EDR, the Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
- in their neighborhood, and I could translate that back to either the city council as a form of a report
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs convened with a quorum and took up SB 308, a bill related to the Florida Museum of Black History. The bill would establish a Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and direct it to work with a supporting nonprofit foundation, while also requiring the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners to provide administrative assistance and staffing until planning, design, and engineering are complete. With no appearance forms or debate, the committee voted the bill favorably.
The remainder of the meeting was an informational briefing from the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities on local government budgeting practices. Presenters explained how counties and cities develop budgets, the legal framework governing property taxes and other revenues, the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds, and the role of constitutional officers, public safety, debt, pensions, and capital planning. They emphasized that most local revenues are restricted by law, that general funds are the main discretionary source, and that local governments must balance annual budgets while meeting mandated service levels.
The presenters also discussed how property taxes, fees, local option taxes, and state-shared revenues support local services, and they highlighted the fiscal pressures created by public safety, emergency management, infrastructure, and retirement costs. Members asked questions about the share of local revenue that is unrestricted and the implications for any proposal to eliminate property taxes. The presenters responded that only a portion of county and municipal revenue is flexible, with much of it dedicated to specific purposes by law.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Report for House File 2040. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Arnson.
- And you know, I will just say this: the Youth Interventions Study Group has a great report.
- One of the things we found was a report in 1997 that said basically the same thing.
- We have been following that report.
- Changes and conditions are still required to be reported to the or nurse per scope of practice, and an
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Since the repeal of our juvenile curfew law, counties across Texas have reported an uptick in violent
- know where their kids are, whether it be by police officers or anyone else. ... anybody else that reports
- Thank you. ... of some reports you guys did, the number of citations.
- I'm presuming that there was more than a report. It's not just a count.
- Alarmingly, 82% of these youth self-reported substance use, and 17% reported active alcohol use.
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:43 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to start the Finance Committee report over.
- You can read the first committee report, please. Mr.
- Senator Soules, I move adoption of the committee report.
- The committee report has been adopted. The ayes have it. The committee report has been adopted.
- President, I move adoption of the committee report. We have a motion to adopt the committee report.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I especially want to know, labor perspective before you make any finalized reports.
- We keep doing our work; it just means when we actually file a report, whenever that is.
- I would agree with the two of you that absolutely we're going to have a report.
- So we will have a report.
- What is your report card? What are your successes?
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on union and correctional staff testimony. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Union representatives from KOUF, NCEU, AFSCME, and local county correctional unions described the daily realities of correctional work, emphasizing staff safety, staffing shortages, retention problems, mental health impacts, and the need to preserve local sheriff’s offices and collective bargaining agreements.
Testimony centered on several recurring concerns: violence inside facilities, the spread of synthetic drugs such as K2, inmate suicides and suicide attempts, and the strain these issues place on officers, EMS, and local resources. Speakers also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing they can create safety and workplace issues for staff, and urged more support for officer wellness, debriefing, and programs like OnSide Academy. Several witnesses argued that county facilities should remain locally controlled and that consolidation with the Department of Correction would weaken programming, staffing, and community-based reentry work. One witness described the Norwegian correctional model as a possible source of ideas for more rehabilitative approaches.
Commission members responded with support for correctional staff and asked questions about K2 detection, paperless systems, EMS transports, and possible metrics to quantify incidents and facility needs. Members also discussed the importance of individualized assessments of each facility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The commission voted to seek an extension of its reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30, and agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit and a June 15 hearing. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-09-17
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Until there was the news report.
- Not everything reported is fraud. Not everything is waste.
- But that came on the heels of reporting by CARE 11.
- I would also say that as I looked at the CARE 11 report just from September 11th, even in that report
- The reporters have found it by showing up at different locations.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-28 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Read the report. Are there reports of standing committees and subcommittees? On the desk, Mr.
- Reading of the report, Mr. Speaker. Representative Garrison, you are recognized on the report. Mr.
- Show the special order report adopted. Are there other reports? None on the desk, Mr. Speaker.
- Instead, it calls for quarterly reporting, yes, reporting. It calls for counting beds in prison.
- And if they were here illegally, then they could be reported to the INS.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, pledge, quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B, the immigration bill, and members were told they would have one opportunity to question the sponsor on both the House version and the anticipated Senate changes. Representative McClure described the bill as a major immigration-enforcement package creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, a local law enforcement grant program, a state immigration council, and new penalties and enforcement tools. He also outlined anticipated Senate language, including stronger 287(g) participation requirements, enhanced penalties for unauthorized aliens, a mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses, and additional coordination with federal agencies.
The bill drew extensive questioning from Democrats about due process, constitutional issues, school and workplace impacts, and the treatment of people whose immigration status changes over time. Members asked about birthright citizenship, TPS, asylum seekers, pretrial detention standards, the lawful basis for detaining someone based on suspected status, and whether teachers, social workers, school resource officers, and even children could be required to cooperate with immigration enforcement. McClure and Representative Garrison repeatedly said the bill would require cooperation with federal authorities, that status determinations would be handled under existing court procedures, and that the Senate death-penalty language was intended to fit within Hurst by requiring a jury finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was an unauthorized alien. They also said the bill did not provide DMV funding, did not address teacher shortages, and included appropriations such as $25 million for the local law enforcement participation incentive program and broader funding for enforcement and training.
Several amendments were considered. Representative Chambliss offered an amendment to protect schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; supporters argued it would preserve trust in sacred and educational spaces, but the amendment failed. Representative Escamani offered an amendment to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers; supporters emphasized the educational and economic contributions of Dreamers and the hardship of higher tuition, but that amendment also failed. The debate ended with no bill vote in the excerpt, but the House completed the amendment votes and continued consideration of the immigration measure.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hicks, you are recognized for a question on the joint committee report. Committee report.
- They will submit a report.
- Moves adoption of a joint committee report. Will there be debate on the joint committee report?
- Members, that concludes debate on the joint committee report. Report.
- Seeing none, Senator Peterson moves adoption of the joint committee report. Committee report.
Bills:
HB3257, HB3176, HB3544, HB3619, HB3546, HB1782, HB2293, HB4358, HB3081, HB3983, HB3790, HJR1023, HB4139, HB3297, HB3041, HB3673, HB4105, HB3338, HB3048, SR33, SCR21, SCR20, HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4034, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4044, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4071, HB4065, HB4067, HB4072, HB2992, HB4338, HB4170
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, social AI companions, minors, emotional attachment, safety protocols, civil penalties, parental controls, geographic information
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL-PBS Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Water & Land
Transcript Highlights:
- They're very scared to report.
- They're very scared to report.
- They're very scared to report.
- <01:21:01.640>
which temporary investigative report which temporary investigative report which - reports submitted to the legislature. reports submitted to the legislature.
Bills:
HCR13, HCR61, HCR136, HCR185, HCR155, HCR68, HCR174, HCR178, HCR179, HCR91, HCR103, HCR115, HCR199, HR15, HR128, HR175, HR147, HR62, HR164, HR168, HR169, HR83, HR95, HR107, HR189
Keywords:
coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks.
The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward.
Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- favorable report. favorable report.
- report. Call the next bill. report. Call the next bill.
- The bill's given a favorable report. The bill's given a favorable report.
- Bill's given a favorable report. 16 zero nays. Bill's given a favorable report.
- <01:08:31.280>
So, bill's given favorable report. So, bill's given favorable report.
Bills:
HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, SB380
Keywords:
underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- has a favor report. has a favor report. >> Thank<00:12:57.440>
you. - We have a motion for favor report. one. We have a motion for favor report.
- The bill has a favor report. >> I. Opposed. The bill has a favor report.
- >> Your bill has a favor report. >> Your bill has a favor report.
- Bills favor report.
Bills:
HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114, HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Another thing that stood out to me in the news reporting is that one of the companies reported that Texas
- She's the consumer reporter at NBC DFW who brought this issue forward.
- Over 50% of women report intense pain during IUD insertion, with some reporting fainting or vomiting.
- Uh, this is a report that was released on March 18th.
- And the San Antonio Express News just reported on my former insurer.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, CS for SB 168 is reported favorably. Let's move to tab one.
- By your vote, SB 472 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- By your vote, SB 472 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- By your vote, SB 276 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, C.S. for SB 490 is reported favorably. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee met and took up several criminal justice, public safety, and boating measures. It first heard SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which would create mental health diversion options for eligible misdemeanor and felony defendants, expand mental health and substance abuse grant uses, require evaluations and treatment recommendations in certain cases, add Hillsborough County to a forensic diversion pilot list, and create a behavioral health data repository. After adopting a technical amendment, the bill received strong support from NAMI Florida, family advocates, sheriffs, and the Murphy family, and was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee also approved SB 86, expanding peer support programs for certain law enforcement support personnel, and SB 472, allowing inmates who complete approved education in correctional facilities to receive credit toward professional licensure requirements. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably without opposition. SB 276, which increases penalties for unlawfully sheltering or aiding an unmarried minor and creates a defense for actions taken to protect a minor from danger, drew questions about runaway youth, LGBTQ youth, and the scope of the defense; the sponsor said he was open to further amendment, and the bill passed favorably.
Members then approved SB 402, updating the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute to reference the armed forces by definition rather than by branch. SB 490, as amended, would let law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers carry concealed off duty and exempt law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and active military service members from the three-day waiting period for rifle and shotgun purchases; it passed 8-1 after debate over the waiting period and equal treatment concerns. Finally, the committee passed SB 628, Lucy’s Law, to strengthen boating safety and penalties, after adopting an amendment that removed proposed changes to warrantless blood draws and boating education requirements; the bill was supported by the family of Lucy Fernandez and passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Human Services Committee and Health and Human Services Committee - Part 2 - 05/04/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, and we're happy to report Madam Chair, and we're happy to report back<00:09:58.240>
- wouldn't die for the lack of judicial wouldn't die for the lack of judicial review<01:00:19.280>
- Go to the response, the OA report on the auditor's reports. There's some response to that.
- "Go to the response, the OA report on the auditor's reports. There's some response to that.
- Um, and so..." had a legislative audit report uh that had a legislative audit report uh that when<01:
Summary:
The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support.
Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously.
Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Another thing that stood out to me in the news reporting is that one of the companies reported that Texas
- I wanted to compliment and highlight the reporting of Deanna Zoga.
- Women who have experienced sexual assault often report PTSD.
- This is a report that was released on March 18.
- They report a blockbuster 2020.
Bills:
HB854, HB 1052, HB1642, HB2076, HB3042, HB3695, HB3787, HB4062, HB4092, SB213, SB493, SB896, HB5519, HB4635
Keywords:
insurance, replacement cost, homeowner's policy, renter's policy, condominium insurance, property damage, claims process, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, out-of-state services, anxiety, pain management, contraceptive devices, women's health, medical procedures, healthcare, laboratory
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Disability Commission Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- would love, if I can, recommend that we write a letter, and then also ask that D&B come and give us a report
- training with law enforcement as the first pass, and then, possibly next year or after we get our report
- We are usually a very judicious body, so we'll try to get updates on relevant implementation issues because
- There's going to be the report that's going to be submitted to the chair of this wonderful body here,
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 09:30 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In France, recent reports reveal... 46% of young adults have never heard of the Holocaust.
- The recent United Nations report confirmed that Iran now possesses enough – 60 percent enriched uranium
- region excuse me at the summit and I intend to get involved once I get there if confirmed and we'll report
- up to address the issue where a country did not have a democracy in a legitimate and believable judicial
Keywords:
diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- News and World Report.
- I am delighted to report that the Manhattan Institute actually ranks the University of Florida number
- News & World Report. I was born and raised in the great state of Florida.
- News & World Report also featured us as a top 30 engineering program without a Ph.D.
- Will be reported favorably. Now let's go ahead and take a vote on Tab 7, and that is Ms.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes.
One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate.
The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- executive branch, which is the president; the legislative branch, which is the Congress; and the judicial
- 38.159>
the branch, which is the Congress, and the branch, which is the Congress, and the judicial - 39.120>
which <00:22:39.360>is <00:22:39.520>the <00:22:39.760>Supreme judicial - branch, which is the Supreme judicial branch, which is the Supreme Court,<00:22:40.320>
and <00
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (05/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's important and valuable that the SEC has a judicial review component, and the language says RSA 541
- It's important and valuable that the SEC has a judicial review component, and the language says RSA 541
- I think there's a word, there's a heading called judicial review.
- Uh, this is under the topic of judicial review.
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on a non-germane amendment to SB 302, a Senate bill originally requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Representative Patenza explained that the amendment was intended to preserve and separate out language developed for the governor’s budget proposal and HB 2 concerning a solid waste facility site evaluation committee, a moratorium, and related public-benefit/site-benefit provisions, so the policy would still have a vehicle if the budget language did not advance. He said the proposal reflects extensive work by the House, the governor’s office, and DES, and he was open to further changes to align with any budget conference committee outcome.
Dr. Adam Finkele testified in support of the amendment and the underlying site evaluation concept, arguing that landfill siting decisions should be based on cost-benefit analysis that includes public harms, local impacts, and regional impacts rather than only private benefits. He praised the committee process and prior legislation requiring agencies to respond substantively to public comments, and said the new language improves on the governor’s version by moving the committee’s review earlier in the process and requiring more complete application information, including alternatives and impacts on nearby wells and aquifers. He also supported a three-year moratorium on new landfill applications, saying it would give the state time to address leachate, PFAS, waste reduction, and weak siting rules.
Members asked about possible conference committee changes, the value of having a separate review body, and whether the new rules would invite litigation. Dr. Finkele said he would likely sue over the rules because he считает them too weak, but also said the legislature could fix the problems through other bills such as HB 77. He acknowledged that the site evaluation committee is not a perfect solution, but said it is a useful intermediate step between the agency and the courts and likely would meet only rarely if capacity need remains the main trigger for future landfill decisions. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.