Video & Transcript Research : 'accessibility'
Page 192 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They offer tools and training for employment, for living independently, and for accessing print media
- Again, you can go online, you can access any services that you may be able to access at some of our CareerForce
- Again, you can go online, you can access any services that you may be able to access at some of our CareerForce
- Again, you can go online, you can access any services that you may be able to access at some of our CareerForce
- Again, you can go online, you can access any services that you may be able to access at some of our CareerForce
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/14/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- And they only have access to the what I or any of us have access to on the website right now: you can
- And they only have access to the what I or any of us have access to on the website right now: you can
- And they only have access to the what I or any of us have access to on the website right now: you can
- So they just looking to get access job. So they just looking to get access to<01:37:09.840>
it. - 247 access and affordability. 247 access and affordability.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- to um athletic trainers you no access to um athletic trainers you get<00:27:22.720>
no <00:27: - that all of their students have access that all of their students have access to<00:39:52.040>
- They provide access to a diverse range of books and resources, and they help students develop strong
- <03:25:30.880>
to support thank you public access to support thank you public access to sunscreens- <04:47:44.320>
coordinator Nelson and the food access coordinator Nelson and the food access
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:43:58.239>
for providing free Wi-Fi um access for providing free Wi-Fi um access for public - <01:57:08.520>
to this bill including funding access to this bill including funding access - She said the committee should be concerned about access and equity in access to these services.
- She said the committee should be concerned about access and equity in access to these services.
- Working Families and um expanding access Working Families and um expanding access to<04:40:09.638>
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 6th, 2026
Alabama Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- People must believe elections are open, honest, and accessible.
- We also know that in Alabama we don't have access to internet across our entire state.
- We also know that in Alabama we don't have access to internet across our entire state.
- , harms people who lack internet access, harms people who lack internet access, work<00:53:01.359
- <00:53:20.480>
to in Alabama we don't have access to in Alabama we don't have access to internet
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 34 senators present. The chamber then received a House message referring House Bill 1 on primary elections to the Committee on County and Municipal Government, and moved to Senate Bill 1, also dealing with primary elections and tied to ongoing court action over Alabama’s legislative maps. Senator Elliott explained SB 1 as a prospective measure meant to set up a special election if federal courts lift injunctions on the state Senate districts, while opponents argued the bill was being rushed and could disrupt voters, candidates, absentee voters, and election administration.
Much of the debate focused on whether the bill would effectively change election rules too close to an election and whether it conflicted with a 2022 statewide amendment requiring election-related changes to take effect at least six months before a general election. Supporters said the bill simply preserves the legislature’s enacted maps and responds to recent court rulings, while opponents said it could disenfranchise voters, especially military, elderly, absentee, rural, and Black voters, and that the underlying litigation and federal Voting Rights Act issues remained unresolved. Several members also referenced a Brennan Center report and broader concerns about racial turnout gaps and minority representation in Alabama.
Senator Coleman offered an amendment to give the state discretion rather than mandate a special election, arguing it would better align with the current court order; the Senate rejected it on a roll call vote, 8 yeas to 25 nays. Senator Vivian Figures then offered a notice-focused amendment requiring adequate public notice before any election changes, arguing that voters need time to learn new dates, polling places, deadlines, and ballot information; that amendment also failed on a roll call vote, with the clerk announcing it did not pass. The transcript ends with further discussion beginning after the failed amendment votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/19/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- opportunity, and overall access issues. opportunity, and overall access issues.
- Expanding access through crossbow inclusion supports hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation,
- access through crossbow inclusion access through crossbow inclusion supports<00:31:16.080>
hunter - of these dollars while expanding access of these dollars while also<00:36:09.520>
maintaining - <00:37:47.599>
to resources issues by expanding access to resources issues by expanding access
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (12/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and ease and not eliminate accessibility and ease and not eliminate humans<00:16:44.880>
but < - humans but use technology to make access humans but use technology to make access easier<00:16:47.759
- So at what point the money we have will run out before you start to access the new money we're asking
- the new re the new money start to access the new re the new money we're<00:18:46.960>
asking < - <00:51:35.040>
Report Hampshire First Elevated Access Report Hampshire First Elevated Access
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item.
The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well.
The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- department staff that just provide limited information that isn't really useful or are infrequently accessed
- um by students, parents and a accessed um by students, parents and a higher<00:04:14.879>
ed < - So easy access.
- to be able to that we're able to access to be able to bring<00:30:24.640>
the <00:30:24.880>- the state grant fewer students accessing the state grant at<00:31:12.320>
a <00:31:12.559> - the state grant fewer students accessing the state grant at<00:31:12.320>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- earned benefits and as a accessing earned benefits and as a former<00:22:47.440>
television <00 - ><00:23:05.880>
to <00:23:06.159>assistance <00:23:07.039>limiting restricts access - to assistance limiting restricts access to assistance limiting veterans<00:23:08.000>
ability - We want to make sure they have unfettered access for any reason for that purpose.
- So it's really important that she has unfettered access, and we kind of liked the idea.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure.
House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt.
The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And for that reason access to capital.
- state post agencies to directly access state post agencies to directly access federal<05:02:03.040
- accessing those records. accessing those records.
- c><05:03:17.920>
already access law enforcement agencies already access law enforcement agencies - The Dubo Area access to all students.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not prevent women from accessing abortion facilities.
- This bill would take away our ability to ensure women have access to accurate medical information.
- This bill would take away our ability to ensure women have access to accurate medical information.
- This bill does not limit access to any medical service currently available in our state.
- does not limit access to any medical<01:01:46.480>
service <01:01:47.359>currently <01:
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All it does is give them access.
- All it does is give them access.
- I think that we should be increasing access to our elections.
- We've expanded health care access.
- We've expanded access to child care.
Summary:
The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call.
Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate.
Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is unacceptable that if you are a pregnant woman in this country, your only guarantee to access a.
- We must never stop until women have their full equality to access the care that they...
- Equality to access the care that they deserve. Mr.
- Under Donald Trump, transgender Americans' access to health care is under direct attack.
- Trans kids deserve to have access to the same ...opportunities as their peers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they able to access that money for these last three months?
- Are they able to access that money for these last three months?
- Are they able to access that money for these last three months?
- Are they able to access that money for these last three months?
- of the rural critical access many of the rural critical access hospitals<00:52:39.680>
in <00:
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 279 WG Info Briefing - Mon Dec 1, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And what that gives us now is they have access to this project.
- First they have access being a beneficiary. Now they have access to a project.
- Not everybody has that type<00:28:59.279>
of <00:28:59.440>access, <00:29:00.320>but - , but in walking with our type of access, but in walking with our service<00:29:02.559>
providers, - Very different from before, but now they<00:29:32.159>
have <00:29:32.399>access <00:29:
Summary:
The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands.
DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance.
The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects.
Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- if you are in excess of 50 miles an hour and/or you're in excess of 35 miles an hour on a limited access
- if you are in excess of 50 miles an hour and/or you're in excess of 35 miles an hour on a limited access
- The bill will establish access for enrollees during state holidays and after regular business hours,
- No one's being denied access to the courts. The inmates will have the ability to file claims.
- State parks are intended to provide access to the public to recreate. Thank you, Chairman.
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- if you are in excess of 50 miles an hour and/or you're in excess of 35 miles an hour on a limited access
- This legislation addresses a persistent problem in the state's managed care system, which limits access
- The bill will establish access for enrollees during state holidays and after regular business hours,
- No one's being denied access to the courts. The inmates will have the ability to file claims.
- State parks are intended to provide access to the public to recreate... Thank you, Chairman.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, May 21, 2026 - AM
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so it's one of those kind of access-to-justice type issues.
- <02:13:53.599>
in um that the fraudsters are accessing in um that the fraudsters are accessing - You know, you a tiered system of access.
- <02:57:29.760>
and role in improving the access and role in improving the access and efficiency - that we begin by looking at access that we begin by looking at access as<03:16:12.800>
well
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They have access to the report at the same time that the commissioner does, and they have access to the
- <00:40:12.560>
on them they have access to information on them they have access to information - <01:29:27.880>
housing provides affordable accessible housing provides affordable accessible - <01:30:16.280>
residential added criteria for accessing residential added criteria for accessing - Having access to basic sick time.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/5/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So we did not have access to uh the decision makers in that.
- :48:20.720>
information disagree that motans access information disagree that motans access information - Thank you. people's access to voting. So we had people's access to voting.
- It's a small dispute to get access to justice.
- It's a small dispute to get access to justice.
Keywords:
judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost.
The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response.
Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.