Video & Transcript Research : 'referees'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- game, the referee inside the huddle calling the plays.
- We need a referee. We don't need the referee in the huddle calling the plays. The A8. Okay.
- inside<00:48:34.160>
the a football game the referee inside the a football game the referee - the play or are we being the referee the play or are we being the referee which<00:49:22.319>
- Yes, Senator Ghogen, do you want another referee explain? No.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (2-18-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- retirement go to uh retirement fund a retirement fund<00:21:43.840>
for <00:21:44.480>referees - fund for referees? fund for referees?
- I've seen both Sarge and Representative Hail both referee.
- >> I've seen both Sarge and Representative Hail<00:26:01.919>
both <00:26:02.159>referee - I promise you that Hail both referee.
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met and first considered House Bill 141, which would make type 1 diabetes information available to students through KDE, school district websites, and school locations such as youth service centers, front offices, and nursing stations. The sponsor explained that a committee substitute removed a requirement that districts distribute the information annually to students, in response to concerns about teacher workload. Members spoke in support, citing the value of helping schools recognize the signs of type 1 diabetes and the usefulness of the information for families. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill favorably with the substitute attached.
The committee then heard House Bill 415, described as a cleanup measure to House Bill 300, the teacher due process law. The sponsor said the substitute would improve communication between the Education Professional Standards Board and superintendents, remove a requirement that teachers meet with EPSB when a complaint is filed, and move appeal hearings from EPSB to the Attorney General’s office effective July 1, 2027. Members discussed the changes and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute attached.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 555, which would define student-based enterprises and allow local school boards to decide whether to permit them. The sponsor and a Taylor County High School business teacher described student-run businesses as hands-on learning opportunities that build workforce skills, generate funds for student scholarships and activities, and operate under local control. Members asked about red book compliance, tax and business issues, and how the enterprises relate to programs like DECA and Junior Achievement. The committee passed the bill favorably, and then adjourned.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas, as an educator, athletics coach, and referee, and community leader, Dennis Miles has contributed
- Whereas as an educator, athletics coach, Whereas as an educator, athletics coach, and<00:08:39.479>
referee - ,<00:08:40.479>
and <00:08:40.599>community <00:08:41.080>leader, and referee - , and community leader, and referee, and community leader, Dennis<00:08:42.520>
Miles <00:08:43.080 - school baseball contests, and running the length of the soccer pitch as a high school and collegiate referee
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional performance by the State House singers, then moved to routine chamber business. The Speaker announced that the Committee on Ways and Means had reported favorably on Senate Bill 214, which concerns pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts and includes an appropriation; it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. House Resolution 17, affirming that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources of their choice, was read by title only and placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day.
The chamber also took up two adopted House Concurrent Resolutions honoring long-serving State House staff. HCR 279 honored Head Doorkeeper Michael C. Waite and his wife, Sergeant-at-Arms Administrative Assistant Donna Waite, for their public service, and HCR 282 honored Doorkeeper Dennis Miles for his dedication to the General Assembly and Vermonters. Both resolutions recounted the honorees’ military, law enforcement, educational, and State House service and directed the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees.
Several members then offered remarks recognizing the Waite and Miles families, praising their mentorship, service, and support for the page program and chamber operations. Additional announcements included a diaper and wipes drive in the State House lobby to support Vermont military families through the National Guard Family Readiness Program, a welcome for Vermont nurses participating in a national rally, and recognition of guests from Champlain Community Services. The House then recessed until approximately 2:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/20/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- There's one referee instead of three because that reduces the cost of having three people divide how
- Then probably one of the main changes is using a real estate referee that cuts away the layer of cost
- So now, instead of paying for a referee and a realtor and paying twice, the sale only has one... domain
- <01:10:29.600>
instead <01:10:29.880>of lawsuit there's one referee instead of lawsuit - and a realtor and paying for a referee and a realtor and paying<01:11:11.480>
twice <01:11:12.480
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll pull on my basketball referee experience.
- So, you know, the referee is the final word.
- you can blow the know as a referee you can blow the whistle<00:12:41.680>
and <00:12:42.360>- <00:12:51.040>
is <00:12:51.120>a replay so you know the referee is a replay so you- know the referee is a final<00:12:51.639>
word <00:12:52.000>but <00:12:52.160>in - <00:12:51.040>
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition.
Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- At the rostrum, Speaker Hortman has played the role of a referee.
- the<00:14:29.320>
role <00:14:29.639>of <00:14:29.759>a <00:14:30.240>referee - Hortman has played the role of a referee Hortman has played the role of a referee she<00:14:31.519
- ><00:14:51.880>
like <00:14:52.040>speaker <00:14:52.399>Hortman need a fair referee - like speaker Hortman need a fair referee like speaker Hortman leading<00:14:53.240>
Us <00:14:
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then proceeded to elect a Speaker. Republicans nominated Lisa Demuth and Democrats nominated Melissa Hortman, with multiple members seconding each nomination and praising the candidates’ leadership, bipartisanship, and ability to guide a closely divided chamber. After roll call, Representative Demuth received 67 votes to Representative Hortman’s 65 and was declared duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House for the 2025-2026 session.
After taking the oath of office from Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing gratitude, integrity, respect, accountability, and a commitment to real results, safer communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and open collaboration with all members. She said her door would remain open to both parties and urged the House to focus on shared purpose and Minnesota’s future.
The House then took up a resolution adopting temporary rules for the 94th session, based on the prior session’s rules and modified by the House organization agreement dated February 6, 2025. Members speaking in support said the agreement reflected bipartisan negotiation, preserved power sharing, protected committee and conference committee balance, and would help the House address issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. The temporary rules were adopted by a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays.
Finally, the House began the election of the chief clerk. Representative Robbins nominated Patrick Duffy Murphy, highlighting his long service to the House, his role as parliamentary adviser, and his work supporting continuity and remote proceedings during the pandemic. The transcript cuts off during the nomination and does not include the final vote on chief clerk.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 25, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- when we need them to be the referee in a timely fashion.
- when we need them to be the referee in a timely fashion.
- when we need them to be the referee in a timely fashion.
- when we need them to be the referee in a timely fashion.
- , and we need them to be willing referee, and we need them to be willing to<01:45:48.080>
do <01
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 5th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, referee, okay. I'll take a biased referee. Referee, okay. I'll take a biased referee.
Bills:
HB95, HB111, HJR1, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HM2, HM16
Keywords:
HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Referees in the Referees in the youth court commission report that it was done in September of 2024.
- The number one issue that came out of that was our referee system That was our referee system that does
- So, this committee report repeals referees as of January 1, 2028.
- So, in lieu of the referees, what the conference report does is allow for...
- you are familiar with chancery court work, family masters and special masters are used, and where referees
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And uh the gentleman from Lauderdale, the referees over at Lamar Academy took a pick six away from my
- And uh the gentleman from Lauderdale, And uh the gentleman from Lauderdale, the<00:37:35.280>
referees at <00:37:36.000>Lamar <00:37:36.480>Academy <00:37:37.760>took the referees- over at Lamar Academy took the referees over at Lamar Academy took a<00:37:38.160>
pick <00:37
Summary:
The House convened with prayer led by Pastor Darren Leech, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the chamber dispensed with reading the journal and handled routine introductions. Members welcomed several guests in the galleries, including Mick Bulock of NCSL and multiple youth and community groups. The House also recognized Pastor Leech’s remarks about public service and stewardship.
A series of congratulatory resolutions were taken up and adopted, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. These included resolutions honoring Derek Hall for winning Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars cross country and softball teams for state championships, and other special recognitions. The House also adopted STR 536 and several additional resolutions from the rules calendar, with votes reported at 118 yeas, 0 nays on multiple items.
On the conference calendar, the House concurred in House Bill 1150, which merged the engineers and surveying boards, added an exception so title attorneys were not affected, and changed board member terms from six years to four years. The concurrence motion passed 122 yeas, 0 nays. The House also adopted a conference report on item 60 related to state security operations center language, removing a reverse repealer, by a vote of 117 yeas, 0 nays.
Later, members continued introducing guests and honoring school groups, including the Winston Academy football team for its state championship, the Jeff Davis County Mayor’s Youth Council, Columbus High School’s boys basketball team and Mr. Basketball honoree Michael Hood Jr., Heritage Christian Academy, and Mississippi State basketball player Josh Huard, who was recognized for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Award. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day, with the journal left open until the last conference report is filed.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- numbers and home addresses of our prosecutors, Supreme Court justices, district court judges, judicial referees
- numbers and home addresses of our prosecutors, Supreme Court justices, district court judges, judicial referees
- situations that Representative Clement talked about, prosecutors, district court judges, and judicial referees
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're down a referee. So we have that issue. And the dockets are just, they're hard.
- That's in front of a referee, one referee to handle juvenile court cases, parentage cases, child support
- One referee for Cass County. And you're not going to get in 30 days.
- I mean, we don't, Cass County and South Central, the only ones who have referees at all throughout the
- And, yes, when you said that the judges handle the contempt, the referees will handle the contempt for
Summary:
The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time.
The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation.
The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable.
On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It also adds referees to LA Wallet right now. Coaches are on there. Referees are not.
- It also adds referees to LAWallet right now. Coaches are on there. Referees are not.
Keywords:
survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I was a soccer referee, a signer. I have seven or eight former referees working for me now.
- I was a soccer referee, a signer. I have seven or eight former referees working for me now.
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met to discuss apprenticeship education and workforce development, with panelists from Santa Fe College, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, ABC East Coast/ABC Institute, and Piper Fire Protection. Members heard that apprenticeships are growing in Florida, with panelists emphasizing that these programs offer paid, tuition-free training, progressive wage increases, and strong job placement in high-demand fields such as HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and construction. Panelists also described efforts to expand into new areas like accounting, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and surgical technology, while stressing the importance of aligning programs with employer demand.
A major topic was funding and reimbursement. Panelists said the current model is complicated and often leaves providers with only a portion of the funds appropriated for apprentices, with one provider saying reimbursement can be as low as 44% and others describing caps, contract delays, and inconsistent CareerSource support. They argued that more of the money should reach training providers, that small businesses need more support to participate, and that transparency and contract reform could help expand enrollment and improve program quality. Several also raised barriers such as instructor approval rules, paperwork, and facility costs.
Members asked about admission criteria, program costs, employer incentives, outreach to high school students, and whether apprenticeships should have greater access to other funding sources. Panelists said the main requirements are being employed and willing to work and learn, and that outreach through schools, career fairs, community partnerships, and public awareness campaigns is essential. They also discussed articulation agreements that can provide college credit for apprenticeship training and suggested statewide credit recognition and possible direct funding to providers as policy improvements. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with the subcommittee adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 01/27/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll allow there to be one referee instead of three, which is a major improvement.
- <00:22:06.679>
one we'll we'll allow there to be one we'll we'll allow there to be one referee - 22:08.320>
three <00:22:08.880>which <00:22:09.000>is <00:22:09.120>a referee - instead of three which is a referee instead of three which is a major<00:22:10.279>
Improvement
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's only the athletes and referees. We just, It's only the athletes and referees.
Summary:
The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met and heard three bills, all of which passed favorably. HB 229 by Rep. Oliver would update the Health Facilities Authority Act to reflect modern health system structures, allowing not-for-profit LLCs and not-for-profit parent corporations of health systems to use the financing authority, and clarifying that authorities may use loan agreements as well as lease financing. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the not-for-profit definition was adopted without objection. AdventHealth testified in support, and the bill passed 17-0.
The committee then heard HB 527 by Rep. Trabulsi, which creates a public records exemption for current and former AHCA personnel who investigate complaints, Medicaid fraud, abuse, waste, or inspect licensed health facilities. The sponsor said the exemption is intended to protect investigators and their families from retaliation. There was no public testimony, and members discussed balancing transparency with safety. The bill passed 17-0.
Finally, the committee heard HB 431 by Rep. Trabulsi, which extends by one year the requirement for athletic coaches and similar youth sports volunteers to complete Level 2 background screening through AHCA’s clearinghouse, with the sponsor saying the delay would give the system time to expand and reduce costs over time. Public testimony from youth sports organizations supported the goal of screening but raised concerns about cost, implementation details, and age thresholds for screening. Members generally supported the bill as a child-safety measure, and it also passed 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- They're working as referees. They're working as referees.
- <04:09:32.480>
So, had a judge that wasn't a referee. - So, had a judge that wasn't a referee.
- >> because a judicial referee >> because a judicial referee wrote<04:12:46.798>
down - Um I'd love there was a referee there.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He even took up refereeing soccer, not knowing what a soccer ball was, but he refereed for 50 years for
- To this day, all the local CIF football referees gather at the Newport Rib Company on Friday nights after
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading.
Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns.
The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our dues now go to pay for fields, referees, uniforms, equipment, coach education, coach background checks
- Referees, uniforms, equipment, coach education, coach background checks, fingerprinting, and insurance
Summary:
The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote.
The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended.
Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial branch supplemental funding 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have 30 judges and one referee.
- c><00:10:10.399>
judges <00:10:10.800>and <00:10:11.040>one <00:10:11.200>referee - We have 30 judges and one referee. We have 30 judges and one referee.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3874 and laid it over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. The Minnesota Judicial Branch, represented by State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz, presented a supplemental funding request focused on two main areas: judicial safety and security, and the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch was grateful for prior budget support but noted it did not receive salary increases for staff or judges and did not get funding for juror per diem. He explained that the branch is seeking funding for personal data protection, home security, two additional judicial security positions, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program.
Much of the testimony centered on rising threats against judges and court staff. Shorba and Fritz described increases in incidents, threats, and disturbances, and Fritz gave several examples of threatening behavior involving judges’ homes, personal information, and online doxxing. They argued that the branch needs better threat assessment, coordination with local law enforcement, and security measures at homes, courthouses, and online. Members expressed support for the concerns and asked questions about how threats are currently handled and whether state patrol officers assigned to security duties would need additional training.
The second major topic was the judicial branch’s request for funding to cover its employer contribution to Minnesota Paid Leave, which took effect in January 2026. Shorba said the branch followed MMB’s calculations and expected the cost to be addressed through broader state government funding, but the branch did not receive an operational adjustment. He said the branch is now having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. Members questioned why the request was not included in the earlier budget process, and Shorba responded that the branch believed the issue would be handled centrally and later learned it had not been funded for the judiciary. No vote on the funding requests was taken in the discussion shown.