Video & Transcript : 'accountability courts' :

Page 23 of 500
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Rules 2ND REVISED Mar 4th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those ended up in court, and they lasted for years with those valuations being held up in escrow.
  • The underlying motivation was often so that we could make sure that we had a business-friendly court.
  • The underlying motivation was often so that we could make sure that we had a business-friendly court.
  • I think when people show up at court, they need to know that the judge doesn't see themselves as superior
  • Can you define how a court is supposed to measure whether a foreign law violates these values?
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 2133 and skipped several bills because the Pro Tem and Senator Hall were not present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1552, which would expand an option for very large counties to adopt local charters; an amendment was adopted to raise the population thresholds so the bill would apply only to future growth. After discussion that the measure was optional and not a mandate, the bill passed 12-7. The committee also passed SJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the cap on annual increases in property tax assessed value from 3% to 1% for homestead and agricultural property and from 5% to 3% for other property, despite opposition that it would worsen funding pressures and create inequities between long-term owners and new buyers. SJR 47, moving voter ID requirements into the Constitution, and SJR 48, changing how the state handles ad valorem reimbursement for tax-incentive projects, both passed 16-2. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1491, which requires replacement presidential electors to take the same oath as the original slate, and Senate Bill 2174, which changes the membership mix of the State Fire Marshal Commission to include more business-oriented voices; both measures drew little opposition and passed overwhelmingly. Senate Bill 1877 also passed unanimously; it creates a centralized reporting system for 510 reports, with members noting it should have no fiscal impact because an existing state filing system would be used. House Joint Resolution 1024, which revises the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing certain lawyer/non-lawyer and party-balance restrictions and capping service at 12 consecutive years, passed after significant debate over judicial independence and political influence. The committee then approved Senate Bill 2040, which updates the Tulsa Reconciliation Education Scholarship Program by simplifying eligibility rules, changing the income cap to $128,000 and indexing it to inflation, and clarifying that unused funds may still be used for room, board, and books; supporters said it preserves a long-standing scholarship with no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 1316 passed 17-1 and would require agencies to periodically sunset a percentage of administrative rules, though the author said he may lengthen the cycle after reviewing other states’ models. Senate Bill 1679, the Preserving Oklahoma Values Act, passed 16-2 after debate over its references to foreign law and Judeo-Christian Western values; supporters said it protects due process and equal protection, while opponents warned it could marginalize other faith traditions and create legal uncertainty. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 227, clarifying which oil and gas facilities are exempt from ad valorem tax and ensuring flow lines, gathering lines, and injection wells are treated consistently; Senate Bill 2153, directing state agencies to use the terms Judea and Samaria instead of West Bank in official documents; and Senate Bill 2180, a transparency measure on foreign lobbying that was amended before passing 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't know that that's the best step for our state courts.
  • I'm here today on behalf of the court in support of Senate Bill 58, Superior Court Administrator for
  • If the Legislature does choose to move forward, there must be clear sideboards, accountability, and accountability
  • , including... ...forward, there must be clear sideboards, accountability, and accountability, including
  • and for the OIC through their regulatory account.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Feb 18th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • State courts: The budget prioritizes case processing with an additional $2.3 million.
  • The Sixth District Court of Appeal is operating under horrendous conditions.
  • for fiscal year 2026-27, authorizing 13 new circuit court judges and 12 new county court judges.
  • thing, but if it’s challenged in court, we’ve been... ...things challenged in court.
  • holder or keeping an existing account without parental or guardian consent.
Bills: S2500 , S2502 , S2504 , S7028 , S2506 , S2508 , S2510 , S2512 , S2514 , S2516 , S2518 , S0482 , S0678 , S0984 , S1016 , S1074 , S1706 , S7030
Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 28th, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And also as a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. But above all, Mr.
  • Working through the court system.
  • We don't have people show up for their court dates, Mr. President.
  • And we all know that our courts are very busy.
  • Court directives would not be a bad thing.
Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial welcome for the Washington National Guard, including a color guard, prayer, and a resolution recognizing the Guard’s service. Senate Resolution 8668 was adopted unanimously, with members praising the Guard’s flood response, election support, counterdrug work, youth programs, and community assistance. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Eliza Munoz Estee to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865 on garnishment forms after adopting an amendment delaying the effective date to May 1, 2027. The chamber also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5855 on law enforcement face coverings after rejecting several amendments that would have broadened or clarified exceptions, including proposals related to timing after transport, warrants, and other scenarios. Debate centered on federal immigration enforcement, public safety, accountability, and whether the bill would affect local law enforcement; the bill ultimately passed on a 30-19 vote. The Senate then passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105, with a technical amendment, to address explicit depictions of minors and AI-generated or altered child sexual abuse material. It also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, updating community custody provisions for unlawful firearm possession after a date-fixing amendment. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, revising unattended motor vehicle rules for remote starts, passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud and supporting original Medicare, also passed unanimously. Finally, the Senate advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure to reduce impaired driving, while opponents argued it would have limited effect and that enforcement and staffing issues were more important. The bill was debated at length and then passed 38-11.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 28th, 2026

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So this one, the... ...working through the court system.
  • We don't have people show up for their court dates, Mr. President.
  • , my face, once again, I have the honor of having a court sketch made of my face.
  • And we all know that our courts are very busy.
  • Court directives would not be a bad thing.
Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial honors for the Washington National Guard, including the presentation of colors, a prayer, and recognition of Major General Welsh and other Guard members in the chamber. Senators then adopted Senate Resolution 8668, which praised the Guard’s service in emergencies, disaster response, elections support, counterdrug training, and youth programs. Several members spoke in support, citing recent flood response efforts and the Guard’s work during COVID, and the resolution was adopted unanimously with all members’ names added as co-sponsors. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Elisa Munoz Estes to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College. Each confirmation passed by wide margins or unanimously after brief supporting remarks about the appointees’ education, military service, and community involvement. The Senate also considered and passed several bills. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865, concerning garnishment forms, was amended to delay implementation and then passed 46-3 after supporters called it a technical fix and opponents focused on timing. Substitute Senate Bill 5855, dealing with face coverings by law enforcement officers, drew extensive debate and multiple failed amendments; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure aimed at masked federal immigration enforcement, while opponents argued it was overbroad, ineffective against federal officers, and harmful to state and local law enforcement. The bill passed 38-19. The Senate also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 on explicit depictions of minors, after an amendment clarifying liability and defenses, and Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268 on community custody for unlawful firearm possession, after a date update amendment. Finally, Engrossed Senate Bill 5081 on unattended motor vehicles and Senate Joint Memorial 8002 urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud were both adopted unanimously or by large margins. Later, the Senate took up Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05; the bill drew strong support from the sponsor and law enforcement-focused supporters, but also criticism that the lower threshold would not address the most dangerous impaired drivers and might have limited practical effect.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The court records The court records indicate his probation was riddled with violations.
  • They chose to keep them in family court and juvenile court.
  • And so I know that prior to the amendment that did pass, the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court...
  • Is it a court? It's a court, right? So the court system has some oversight on us as well.
  • Three by the district judges association, three by the appellate courts, three by the Supreme Court,
Bills: HB1011 , SCR11 , SB41 , SB49 , SB107 , SB123 , SB224 , SB292 , SB425 , SB479
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Rules Apr 23rd, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is something the court has said that would make it necessary.
  • It is something the court has said that would make it necessary.
  • the amendment, and I missed it, I apologize, but is this case a criminal case or was it a Supreme Court
  • the amendment, and I missed it, I apologize, but is this case a criminal case or was this a Supreme Court
  • They delayed for four years, dismissed that complaint, but just in March the Court of Civil Appeals said
Bills: HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 3711, which was described as a work in progress aimed at increasing transparency for taxpayers about instructional expenditures in school bond communications. Members questioned whether the bill changed what districts may bond for, and the author said it did not alter the bond process, only added communications. After title was struck, the bill passed committee 13-5. House Bill 4104, dealing with repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording offenses, was presented with an amendment adding conduct involving three or more separate victims as a basis for felony treatment. The amendment was adopted after questions about its legal basis and a recent court decision. The bill as amended then passed committee unanimously, 18-0. The committee also took up House Joint Resolution 1077, which would send to voters a proposal to move $1 billion from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust corpus into a new Oklahoma’s Futures Trust Fund. The proponent said the T-SET board would remain in place, the corpus would stay protected, and annual earnings from the new fund would be split between reinvestment and legislative appropriations for health and education. Opponents argued the measure would shift money from an independent endowment to a politically controlled process and could weaken existing T-SET programs. After debate, the resolution passed committee 14-4. Finally, House Bill 3327 proposed expanding the State Board of Education from seven to nine members, with appointments divided among the governor, speaker, and president pro tem, and allowing removal only for cause. Members raised questions about geographic representation and vacancy appointments, but the bill passed as amended 15-2. House Bill 3329, a trailer bill related to sunset legislation, added a July 1, 2027 sunset for the Board of Psychological Examiners after concerns about its handling of a complaint and a recent court ruling; it passed as amended 14-2, and the committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a case pending in the Third District Court of Appeal right now where the trial court found that
  • There's no accounting for the increase in cost.
  • There's no accounting for the increase in cost for potential claimants.
  • There's no accounting for the increase in cost. justice system.
  • We do believe in transparency, and we do believe in accountability.
Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034
Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • And toward the transparency and accountability goal, this amendment clarifies that they must submit to
  • There is a case pending in the Third District Court of Appeals right now where the trial court found
  • There is no accounting for the increase in cost for potential claimants.
  • You should not have to prove your innocence in a court of law after being arrested.
  • I want to say this clearly that we do believe in transparency and accountability.
Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Feb 7th, 2026 at 09:12 am

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • By contrast, a narrowly tailored accountability...
  • This bill strengthens our training and accountability.
  • So we would urge the court. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • It is about accountability, dignity, and truth.
  • In a Rule 74 administrative appeal, a district court sits essentially as an appellate court.
Bills: HJR6 , HJR7 , HB120 , HB60 , HB151 , HR1 , HM13 , SB40 , SB104
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

State Government & Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Using the Public Records Act as a tool for discovery in the court system is another.
  • When we lose the memory of war, we lose accountability for the decisions made and the costs paid by real
  • There was a famous quote from a former Supreme Court justice who said about pornography, 'I know it when
  • Very few of these cases go to court.
  • narrows the consumer utility data that is exempt under the bill to be individual consumer utility account
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • The perpetrators of violence are rarely held accountable for the criminal conduct they actually commit
  • Actually, I got into trouble with that a few years ago and lost in the Supreme Court.
  • a good statement right there because really what this bill is about is prevention as much as accountability
  • good statement right there because really what this bill is about is prevention as much as is accountability
  • ability. right there because really what this bill is about is prevention as much as is accountability
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Public Safety and Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let them go back to the court that issued that order and not go around the court system.
  • Let them go back to the court that issued that order and not go around the court system.
  • </c> to help, well, they've been court to help, well, they've been court ordered<00:31:00.559><c> to<
  • the courts.
  • </c> it still have to go back to the courts. it still have to go back to the courts.
Bills: HB274 , HB287 , HB301 , HB157 , HB254 , HB88 , HB274 , HB287 , HB301 , HB157 , HB254 , HB88
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Jan 22nd, 2026 at 08:00 am

Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • That since has been repudiated or overturned; and where the court finds that the applicant's exercise
  • We want to ensure, again, trust, safety, and accountability with law enforcement.
  • We want to ensure, again, trust, safety, and accountability with law enforcement.
  • Washington State does not fully fund our courts. We are in a crisis right now.
  • This bill will just help bring some more transparency and accountability.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Rules Jan 15th, 2026

Rules

Bills: S0100 , S0102 , S0104
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and heard three housekeeping/statutory revision bills. Chair Passidomo introduced the committee’s new staff director, and the committee proceeded quickly through the agenda with no public appearance forms, questions, or debate on any of the bills. SB 100, the Adoption Act, prospectively adopts the 2026 Florida Statutes as an official document and adopts the statute materials passed by the 2025 regular session as official state statute law. SB 102 deletes statutory provisions that were previously repealed or expired and are now without effect. SB 104 is the General Reviser's Bill, which removes obsolete language, updates cross-references, and corrects grammatical and typographical errors in the Florida Statutes. Each bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. After the votes, several senators asked to be recorded as voting favorably on tabs 1 and 2, and the committee adopted that request without objection. The meeting then adjourned, with members reminded that the committee would meet again on Thursday.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs May 13th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want— At the trial court, it's been to district court, and it's pending now at the Court of Appeals
  • So even if a city prevails in the trial court and the state... ...appeals to the 15th Court of Appeals
  • Let's say the Court of Appeals agrees with the trial court and upholds the local regulation.
  • Court.
  • The court could request briefing.
Bills: HB5691 , SB427 , SB2623 , SB2858
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 7th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the commissioner's court or designated county executive official. Mr.
  • A report is done to the Commissioner’s Court, a report is done to city councils, everyone, DPS—every
  • I have you registered as Luis Chris Lopez, speaking on behalf of the Bexar County Commissioner's Court
  • or harassment from persons under supervision or criminal offenders they have testified against in court
  • Texas DPS is the owner and operator of their aircraft and therefore should be held accountable for...
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It gives parents structured grievance processes to hold their districts accountable. accountable with
  • the system, as a negative thing. all held accountable, right, as elected officials, we're held accountable
  • By 1985, 100 families had been prosecuted. or after a nine-year court battle, the Texas Supreme Court
  • Someone else they're going to have to be accountable to, they should already be accountable to the parents
  • Court of Appeals in January 2024.
Bills: SB12 , SB1565 , SB13 , SJR12 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB112 , SB400 , SB813 , SB 12 , SB 13