Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial branch'
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CA
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1369 adopts reasonable common-sense reforms to our judicial recall process.
- for California's judicial recall process while preserving voters' constitutional rights.
- We think there's a problem with judicial recalls, and in general, the politicization of the judicial
- branch.
- And none of them, in my view, are premised on any judicial misconduct of any sort.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/20/25 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is in the executive branch. This bill is in the executive branch.
- or the executive branch.
- or the executive branch.
- <00:58:46.480>
branch, independent from the judicial branch, independent from the judicial - <01:24:01.600>
I branch. And it's it's very important. I branch.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- the commission is to ensure transparency in Florida's elections, and, in their capacity as quasi-judicial
- The governor or other executive branch entity authorized to make the appointment forwards a letter of
- The governor or other executive branch entity authorized to make the appointment forwards a letter of
- The commission also is charged with administering the executive branch lobbyist registration system and
- the executive branch lobby registration trust fund.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees.
The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges.
Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a lot of concern around the integrity of judicial evidence.
- But we knew that there was opposition by the Judicial Council.
- But we knew that there was opposition by the judicial council.
- Judicial records are presumptively public.
- So the Judicial Council has—” “...question on the implementation.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, family law, privacy, housing, and artificial intelligence. SB 477 would clarify FEHA procedures for the Civil Rights Department, including tolling deadlines by agreement and updating complaint definitions; it drew some concern about venue and convenience but was moved forward. SB 450 would confirm California jurisdiction over adoption proceedings for children born in the state even if families have moved away, and would require all legal parents to be listed on adoption orders; it received strong support, especially from LGBTQ family advocates, and passed to Appropriations. SB 683 would clarify that people whose name, image, or likeness is misused may seek TROs or injunctions under existing publicity-rights law; opposition from media and First Amendment groups focused on the 48-hour compliance default and speech concerns, but the bill advanced as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also considered SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, which would regulate voice, image, and video cloning technology, require warnings, and direct the Judicial Council to develop evidence standards for AI; it passed to Public Safety. SCR 66, a resolution designating May 1 as Law Day and emphasizing the rule of law, was adopted unanimously after supportive comments from members. SB 808 would create expedited judicial review for housing permit denials that violate state law; supporters said it would reduce costly delay and help housing production, while the Judicial Council opposed it as imposing unreasonable timelines and staffing burdens. The bill passed to Appropriations despite concerns about court resources and broader housing-law issues.
The committee then took up two privacy bills from Senator Wiener. SB 59 would automatically keep confidential court records for adult and retroactive gender/name change petitions, expanding protections previously enacted for minors; supporters described real-world doxxing and harassment, while opponents raised First Amendment and public-records objections, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 497 would require warrants for out-of-state law enforcement access to California prescription monitoring data, expand transgender shield protections for gender-affirming care records, and bar certain disclosures without legal process; the author framed it as a response to out-of-state anti-trans enforcement, and the bill was presented with support from trans advocacy groups.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- it is the legislative branch communicating with the executive branch or the judicial branch, and that
- it is the legislative branch communicating with the executive branch or the judicial branch, and that
- it is the legislative branch communicating with the executive branch or the judicial branch, and that
- it is the legislative branch communicating with the executive branch or the judicial branch, and that
- branch, the judicial branch, or any other individuals who come before this committee. executive branch
Summary:
The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules.
House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:08:37.920>
of is reserved to the political branches of is reserved to the political branches - You may not agree with what it says or how it says, but for decades now, the judicial branch, and I know
- You may not agree with what it says or how it says, but for decades now, the judicial branch, and I know
- <04:46:35.360>
branch, for decades now, the judicial branch, for decades now, the judicial - And in my opinion, judicial involvement.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Emergency Board 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- State agencies seeking approval include the Judicial Department for the Family Treatment Court Program
- consent grants from the Public Safety Subcommittee and open up a work session on Item 1 from the Judicial
- the account and includes $300,000 for enhanced digital privacy protection for judges and high-risk judicial
- Subcommittee recommends the Emergency Board increase other funds expenditure limitation for the Judicial
- I don't understand when you have a policy that the legislative branch has to be engaged in that we're
Summary:
The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed.
The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives.
A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (1-14-26) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we cover all three branches of government.
- branches of government. We also process branches of government.
- In addition, our coverage for the state government and for the three branches of government in general
- and payroll provider for uh the judicial and payroll provider for uh the judicial branch.<00:21:
- So we'd be speaking with uh the branch.
Keywords:
00:14 Call to Order and Roll Call
01:10 Information Items and Introduction of Personnel Cabinet
02:44 Discussion of KHRIS HR system and need for replacement
05:52 Discussion of Challenges in managing HR for employees and records
09:16 Discussion of Employee Health Plan Record Management
12:56 Software and Hardware Discussion
16:15 Security Concerns
17:00 Costs, Staffing, and Implementation
24:09 Discussion of Data Integration and Hosting
32:20 Payment Methodology
35:20 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance held its first meeting and heard a presentation from personnel cabinet officials on a major request to replace the Kentucky Human Resources Information System, known as CHRIS, which currently handles HR, payroll, tax compliance, and health plan administration for state government and several local offices. Officials said the system supports payroll for about 48,000 employees, covers all three branches of government and 24 sheriff and county clerk offices, and stores records for nearly 475,000 current and former users. They explained that SAP has said the system will reach end of life and lose support by 2030, creating risks around security, maintenance, and tax compliance if it is not replaced.
Commissioners and staff emphasized that the replacement is needed not just as an upgrade but as a full system replacement, especially because the current platform no longer receives meaningful HR enhancements and will eventually lose security updates and tax tables. They also described the Kentucky Employees Health Plan as a major driver of the project, noting it serves nearly 300,000 covered lives, many school boards, pre-65 retirees, and more than 700 entities, with significant complexity in billing, premium collection, and regulatory compliance. Officials said the new system would help address current manual workarounds, support changing insurance rules, and better protect personally identifiable and health information.
Members asked detailed questions about the $151 million request, including why the estimate had risen by more than $50 million, what would happen if the project missed the 2030 deadline, how progress would be tracked, how vendor costs were estimated, and what the largest cost components would cover. Officials said the increase was mainly due to inflation and changing requirements, and that there was no real backup plan if the replacement was not completed before support ends. They said the project would be managed through an RFP process expected in July 2026, with kickoff in January 2027 and go-live by July 2030, and that oversight would include an enterprise steering committee, monthly updates, and existing quarterly COT reporting to LRC. They also explained that the largest share of the request is for implementation and integrator services, with additional amounts for software licensing and hosting, independent verification and validation, dependent verification, FSA administration, and limited contract support, and that payments would be tied to deliverables and acceptance testing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-13 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To the extent that any prior judicial decision has held that a county charter amendment establishing
- To the extent that any prior judicial decision has held that a county charter amendment establishing
- This institutes that extrajudicial, outside of the judicial process, outside of court litigation, in
- account before extending or appropriating additional dollars to the branch, to the fund.
- account before extending or appropriating additional dollars to the branch, to the fund.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions of guests and staff. The chamber then took up returning messages from the House and acted on several bills, including transportation facility designations (SB 628), affordable housing/Live Local Act changes (HB 1389), utility services (HB 1451), education (HB 1279 substituted for SB 7038), data centers (SB 484), and land use/development regulations (SB 208/HB 399). Several other measures were temporarily postponed, including education, emergency services, and environmental rule ratification bills.
On SB 628, the Senate concurred in the House amendment and passed the bill 31-4. On the affordable housing bill, senators discussed the fourth iteration of the Live Local Act, including a new provision allowing certain affordable housing on religious institution property, removal of accessory dwelling unit language, and changes to tax exemption and expiration provisions; the Senate concurred in the House amendment and passed the bill 35-0. On the utility services bill, the House amendment shortened the surcharge phase-out timeline and advanced reporting dates; the Senate concurred and passed the bill 30-6. The education package was substituted with the House companion, amended to include agreed-upon provisions on student health and safety, early learning, math, virtual instruction, career and technical education, school choice, accountability, tuition protections, and financial aid, and passed 36-1.
The data centers bill drew extensive debate over transparency and ratepayer protections. Senators questioned the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure agreement prohibition, the 12-month confidentiality period, and whether costs could be shifted to residential and commercial customers. Supporters said the amendment strengthened ratepayer protections and maintained local land-use authority, while critics objected to the loss of transparency and the possibility of local NDAs. After debate, the Senate concurred in the House amendment and passed the bill 31-6.
The land use and development bill generated the most contentious discussion. Amendments addressed a Fontainebleau/Miami Beach resort water park issue, a sunset provision, and a major rural boundary/property rights proposal affecting counties such as Orange and Seminole. Senators debated whether the rural boundary language protected property rights or undermined local planning and environmental safeguards, with concerns raised about takings, county liability, and the use of an Attorney General opinion. The transcript cuts off during extended debate on that amendment, so no final vote on the land use bill is shown in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To begin with, Judge Jennifer Dillingham of the 81st Judicial District Court, Sheriff Stephen Bailey,
- Jones, Farmers Branch; Michael P. Kelly, El Paso; Jason M. Ryan, Houston; Kelly R.
- He then asked whether it is often in the courts, in the judicial branch, where issues arise that are
- Also, based on recommendations from the Texas Judicial Council, the committee substitute adds similar
- President, either take it as an olive branch or Frick and Frack, wherever he is.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with.
The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers.
One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Commonwealth's Attorney for Kentucky's 54th Judicial Circuit comprised of Boone and Gallatin
- Circuit comprised of Boone 54th Judicial Circuit comprised of Boone and<00:20:37.840>
Gallatin - executive branch of government is not signing their name.
- of government, but the executive branch of government, but the executive<00:24:02.480>
branch - of government is not executive branch of government is not signing<00:24:04.160>
their <00:24:
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But not judicial offices.
- And the executive branch became stronger and stronger, and the legislature became weaker and weaker and
- would prefer you and us to make that call rather than just giving more latitude to the executive branch
- two years and the executive branch two years and the executive branch became<01:03:34.960>
stronger - this is part of our executive branch this is part of our oversight<01:03:59.160>
function <01:
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- supplemental, adjusted, and consolidated appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial
- branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027.
- supplemental, adjusted, and consolidated appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial
- branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the Pesticides Branch appreciates his service in the past year and would greatly appreciate your
- <00:42:39.720>
on uh judiciously on uh judiciously on um<00:42:43.000>you <00:42:43.120 - One, I mentioned the branch you say.
- <00:47:58.400>
The <00:47:58.520>other mentioned the branch you say. - The other mentioned the branch you say.
Summary:
The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Evaluation Branch supports the bill and stands on its written testimony.
- Also here with Deputy Chief Court Administrative Officer, First Judicial Circuit, Michelle A.
- his state of the address to the judici his state of the address to the judici the<01:40:36.760><
- The proper name for this is Adult Client Services Branch, right? Yes.
- This measure establishes positions and appropriates funds for the adult client services branch.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance.
Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Governor's Capital Budget Hearing (06/16/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- And it’s used by all three branches of government.
- So we do get input from the judicial branch in terms of where they want to go with their facilities,
- Sullivan County, the Bureau of Court Facilities, and the judicial branch are asking for...
- >> Senator, you said that the executive branch and the judicial branch, but not the legislative branch
- Then the instructor will branch—we refer to it as branching—the scenario to a place where there’s resolution
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/19/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- branch.
- So, we are no longer reliant on other state agencies or judicial branch agencies to provide that for
- on other state agencies or judicial on other state agencies or judicial branch<00:08:52.080>
- <01:02:55.599>
judicial judicial district, the 10th judicial judicial district, the 10th judicial - The Guardian ad Litem board is a semi-independent board under the judicial branch.
Bills:
HF2825
Keywords:
expungement, criminal justice, background check, security industry, private detective, 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- to the other two branches.
- is the president; the legislative branch, which is the Congress; and the judicial branch, which is the
- c> which government, the executive branch, which government, the executive branch, which is<00:22
- , which is the Congress, and the branch, which is the Congress, and the judicial<00:22:38.799>
branch - branch, which is the Supreme judicial branch, which is the Supreme Court,<00:22:40.320>
and <00
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The judicial branch also plays a role in this, in which...
- The judicial branch also plays a role in this, in which if there's a violation of the law that's brought
- Then the judicial branch interprets the law and, if necessary, may compel a political subdivision to
- comply with the law through judicial action.
- The judicial branch also provides an additional avenue of enforcement through allowing parties who believe
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in communication with the judicial branch.
- The judicial branch, we heard from the justices, that it was really important for them that whatever
- The judicial branch, we heard from the justices, that it was really important for them that whatever
- And so we want to be a conduit to other branches. We want to be a partner to other branches.
- We want to be a conduit to other branches. We want to be a partner to other branches.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems.
The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities.
The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.