Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial power'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Session (Part II): Joint Session Feb 26th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our Constitution gives them, it is absolutely essential that we raise judicial salaries significantly
- The officers who wield the judicial power of the state of Texas, officers per capita, are prohibited
- Even though the judges jobs are so much more important and the judges wield so much more power, think
- about the power your local judges have over the families and businesses in your district, the power
- Who do we want wielding all of that power and influence?
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- It is using the power of the judiciary in order to obtain information and other matters in a judicial
- of the judiciary and... ...agency's powers of the judiciary and powers of investigation.
- do not have this same power. ...do not have this same power.
- That's what he's trying to have the power to get his hands on. ...to have the power to get his hands
- Because we did see that hers passed out of judicial, right? Yeah. of judicial, right? Yeah.
Bills:
SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I have filed House Bill 2699, which is a House bill regarding tampering with judicial officers and judicial
- My concern... ...judicial officers, prosecutors, all of that.
- And then turning to the other part where we get into judicial tampering.
- judge or a judicial employee under our current law.
- We support the protection of judicial officers. And so whatever that looks like.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I think knowledge is power, and right now people don't have the knowledge.
- Power, and right now people don't have the knowledge.
- Knowledge is power. That's why we need to talk about this a little bit further.
- Knowledge is power. That's why we need to talk about this a little bit further. All right.
- to amend Titles 48 and 49 relative to the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to expand the powers
Bills:
SR116, SR117, SR118, SR119, SCR68, SCR69, SCR12, HB682, HB766, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB824, HB926, HB1186, HB1201, HB1223, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1258, HB221, HCR53, HCR62, HCR72, HCR58, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1194, HB1198, HB1246, HB1250, SB29, SB30, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB43, SB47, SB84, SB93, SB113, SB192, SB199, SB219, SB220, SB221, SB222, SB241, SB253, SB255, SB289, SB292, SB306, SB314, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB14, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB424, SCR9, SB25, SB250, SB348, SB405, SB444, SB485, SB35, SB65, SB132, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR26, HCR45, HCR61, HCR77, HCR31, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1239, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB210, HB220, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB36, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB166, HB211, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB759, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, HB1036, SB149, SB382, SB441, HB258, HB842
Keywords:
SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long calendar of House and Senate measures. Early business included adoption of a large batch of Bureau reports and numerous committee reports, along with several personal privilege recognitions for guests and observances, including Aviation Day at the Capitol, Safe Boating Week, and recognition of a student’s educational achievements. The chamber also received messages from the House on several Senate concurrent resolutions and conference committee reports, including House Bill 842, the omnibus election bill, which was taken up and adopted after discussion of changes to Louisiana election procedures, congressional primary timing, ballot order, and related qualifying and public-records provisions. The Senate also adopted or concurred in several resolutions, including measures on community action, early education, condolences, and a blockchain and digital innovation task force.
A major portion of the meeting focused on floor debate and final passage of several bills. Senate Bill 250, dealing with comprehensive weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits, was amended to remove GLP-1 and compounded-therapy provisions and then passed. Senate Bill 348 authorizing local law enforcement to contract for administrative and logistical support for motor vehicle regulatory enforcement passed, as did Senate Bill 405 creating a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. Senate Bill 444 and Senate Bill 485, both relating to the new city of St. George’s expropriation and taxing authority, passed after amendments and questions about their local impact. Senate Bill 25, on compensation for registrars of voters and staff, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 132, requiring exterior master key boxes and school mapping integration for public schools, passed as a school safety measure.
The Senate then considered a series of House bills, many of them local or regulatory in nature. These included HB 649 on dual enrollment, HB 665 on hoop nets in North Pass and Manchac Pass, HB 681 on the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, HB 721 on night shrimping in parts of Vermilion Bay, HB 746 on statewide oversized vehicle permits, HB 781 on fleet vehicle registration, HB 835 on charter guide wildlife management area access permits, HB 857 on commingled seafood labeling, HB 872 and HB 886 on menhaden fishing radios and harvest reporting, HB 889 on bulk oyster tagging, HB 892 creating the West End Economic Development District, HB 982 naming memorial highways, HB 987 consolidating LSU energy-related programs, HB 1037 and HB 1072 on DOTD operational reforms, HB 1068 on garbage collection contracting authority, HB 1078 on tuition and fees for distance education, HB 1085 repealing private vehicle inspection sticker requirements, HB 1132 on lab school funding under the University of Louisiana system, HB 1137 limiting adverse employment action against state employees over pronoun use, HB 1167 naming memorial roadways, and HB 1174 recreating DOTD through 2031. Most of these measures passed, often after brief debate and occasional amendments; HB 1085 drew opposition over the loss of inspection-related jobs and concerns about unsafe vehicles, but it still passed. One notable bill, Senate Bill 500 on medical malpractice and the Patient Compensation Fund, was not brought to a vote; after extensive debate about the medical review panel system, claims costs, and proposed certificate-of-merit changes, the author said he would turn it into a study resolution instead.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- having uh been the subject of judicial having uh been the subject of judicial evaluations<00:38:
- It risks judicial independence.
- correct administration of the judicial correct administration of the judicial system<00:47:19.520
- colloquially call a power trip. colloquially call a power trip.
- Just our judicial branch is one. Just our judicial branch is one.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill seeks to mandate, takes away judicial discretion, and in cases involving minors or involving
- an instance where a person shares a drug, the judicial discretion feels important to maintain.
- That testimony is powerful. Mr. Chair, thank you very much for hearing this bill.
- This again is just taking away judicial discretion.
- It removes judicial discretion.
Bills:
SB1004, SB1012, SB1100, SB1110, SB1170, SB1213, SB1317, SB1402, SB1413, SB1416, SB1476, SB1511, SB1573, SB1655, SB1656, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SCR1040
Keywords:
sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 1170, which would impose enhanced sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to minors when the sale contributes to the minor’s death, and would treat the offense as a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under 15. The sponsor and families of overdose victims urged passage as a way to hold dealers accountable, while ACLU/AACJ opposition argued the bill would sweep too broadly, remove judicial discretion, and increase prison terms for people with substance use disorders. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 5-2 vote.
Members then considered Senate Bill 1012, which would change concealed-carry signage rules for Series 12 restaurants and limit liquor-license consequences in those settings. The sponsor and gun-rights groups said the bill was a narrow correction that would not expand carry rights or property rights, while liquor-industry opponents said it would override restaurant owners’ decisions about whether to allow firearms. The committee approved the bill 6-2.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1511, requiring proof of lawful presence for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in Arizona and allowing citations and possible impoundment when proof is not provided. The sponsor tied the bill to trucking safety and fatal crashes, while no outside speakers testified. The bill received a 6-2 do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1100 creating a state registration/disclosure system for lobbyists representing foreign adversary principals, with Homeland Security supporting the measure and CAIR Arizona opposing it as overbroad; the amended bill passed 8-0.
Additional bills were heard and recommended do pass, including SB 1004 on GPS monitoring for homeless sex offenders, SB 1213 denying probation to unlawfully present defendants and requiring ICE notification, SB 1402 requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, SB 1709 mandating revocation and consecutive prison terms for probation violations by adults convicted of dangerous crimes against children, SB 1413 removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death from moving violations, and SB 1416 updating missing-child notification and photo-distribution procedures. The committee also heard SB 1725, which would create a civil cause of action and petty offense for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property; supporters, including a 13-year-old student and the sponsor, said it would protect neighbors and schoolchildren, while opponents argued existing trespass law is sufficient and the bill could conflict with medical marijuana protections. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1725, before a final vote is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no room for judicial discretion.
- When they were 19, should there be no judicial discretion allowed? Madam Chair.
- There will be very little judicial discretion.
- We must have judicial discretion on the back end or we will have none at all.
- So it replaces individualized judicial review with a permanent one-size-fits-all mandate.
Bills:
SB1012, SB1099, SB1234, SB1392, SB1489, SB1535, SB1570, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1661, SB1709, SB1723, SB1725, SB1743, SB1829, SCR1027, SCR1040, SCR1048
Keywords:
concealed carry, firearms, restaurants, liquor licensing, public safety, defamation, private figure, public concern, statute of limitations, internet defamation, juvenile court, legal representation, appointed attorney, guardian ad litem, child welfare, election canvass, canvassing board, governing body, election inspection, election access
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard and advanced several election, judiciary, child welfare, and criminal justice measures. SB 1489 would require paid petition circulators for initiatives and referenda to disclose their name, state of residence, and paid status verbally and on a badge, add registration requirements for certain local circulators, prohibit pay by signature for local measures, and apply strict compliance and funding-disclosure rules to local initiatives. The ACLU opposed it as compelled speech and a burden on political expression, while the Arizona Chamber supported it as transparency and parity with state-level rules. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. SB 1609, an emergency measure concerning political party names, would require proposed party names to be distinguishable from existing parties and bar use of terms like “independent” or similar variations. The Arizona Independent Party opposed it as a retroactive change and “cartel protection,” while county election officials and the Arizona Association of Counties supported it as reducing voter confusion. The committee adopted an amendment and recommended the bill do pass on a 7-0 vote. SCR 1040, a voter-approved constitutional referral, would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices of courts of record from 70 to 75; supporters argued it reflects longer life expectancy and preserves experienced judges, while opponents said voters previously rejected a similar proposal and that an age limit is preferable. It passed 5-2.
The committee also considered SB 1234, which changes juvenile court representation rules by requiring a guardian ad litem in dependency and termination cases and allowing appointment of an attorney for the child depending on age and ability to express an opinion. Sponsor Senator Werner said the bill was part of a broader child-safety reform effort informed by cases such as Rebecca Baptiste, arguing that a guardian ad litem with attorney authority would better protect children’s best interests. Child welfare attorneys and advocates opposed the bill, saying children need a dedicated attorney-client relationship, confidentiality, and a voice separate from the court or DCS; DCS remained neutral. The committee adopted an amendment and recommended the bill do pass on a 5-2 vote. SB 1661 would allow a presumed father to be relieved of child support obligations if genetic testing shows he is not the biological father; supporters described cases where men remained liable despite exclusionary DNA results, and the bill passed 6-0.
Later, the committee heard election administration and transparency bills. SB 1392 would give governing bodies canvassing elections access to locations where election materials are created, handled, processed, tabulated, or stored, so they can observe procedures and review records while protecting secrecy and security; county officials raised concerns about the term “agent,” and the bill passed 4-3. SB 1634 would require ADOT to provide county recorders with a copy of an applicant’s handwritten signature when facilitating voter registration; county officials said it would improve signature comparison, and the bill passed 5-2 after a vote correction. SB 1743 would redact an individual donor’s employer street number, employer name, or residence address from public campaign finance reports, with penalties for improper disclosure; supporters cited privacy and safety, while opponents argued employer information is important for transparency and identifying influence. It passed 5-2. SB 1099, a strike-everything amendment, set statutory criteria for defamation claims involving public or private figures and public or private concerns, including falsity, reckless disregard, and context; it passed 4-3.
After a recess, the committee heard SB 1535, which increases penalties for buyers of sexual conduct, including making the conduct a class 6 felony and adding a $200 assessment to support anti-human trafficking services. The sponsor and supporters, including survivors, law enforcement, neighborhood advocates, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, said the bill targets demand that fuels trafficking and neighborhood disorder. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups said the bill should include a rebuttable presumption to better protect trafficking victims. The committee adopted an amendment and recommended the bill do pass.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 20th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he struggled to understand why the bill links Alabama’s power to defend its citizens’ rights
- He asked the committee to ensure that the state retains its power to defend their rights.
- He asked the committee to ensure that the state retains its power to defend our rights.
- <00:17:36.400>
Thank <00:17:36.559>you power to defend our rights. - Thank you power to defend our rights. Thank you all<00:17:36.799>
very <00:17:37.039>much.
Keywords:
law enforcement, taser, restrained individuals, police procedures, civil rights, income tax, tax exemption, Alabama tax code, Section 40-18-3, civilian employees, Department of Defense, DoD, Armed Forces, military pay, combat zone, deployment, National Guard, Reserve components, emergency response, federal employees
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 20th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- facilities permitted for construction after the effective date on January. of 27 must incorporate a backup power
- C must establish construction and standards for the respective form of backup power and procedures for
Bills:
HB163, HB216, HB721, HB2035, HB2038, HB3057, HB3153, HB3233, HB3595, HB3801, HB3812, HB4076, HB4129, HB4377, HB4535, HB4666, HB4730, HB4743, HB4903, HB5149, HB5155, HB1534, HB163, HB216
Keywords:
epinephrine, healthcare, emergency response, administration, medical policy, health care, itemized billing, patient rights, provider regulations, Texas Health and Safety Code, cost disclosure, insurance, benefit plan, administrators, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions, parental notice, mental health, medical licensing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, the judge of the 43rd Judicial District in Parker County is automatically designated as the
- HB 2637 increases judicial efficiency by allowing clerks to prepare separate reports on jury exemptions
- support from family and... friends, but also from the local mental health authority and community judicial
- law enforcement Rangers are tasked with protecting these federal park sites, their law enforcement powers
Bills:
HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB1655 turns care into punishment. modifies a rigid binary gender ideology into law and uses the power
- I also know the power of unconditional acceptance because I was that kid.
- And it wants us to redirect that toward a group of people who hold virtually no political power. ...and
Bills:
HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843, SB 13, SB 27, SB 57
Keywords:
student transfer, public servants, education code, peace officer, servicemember, judicial officer, school security, volunteer program, retired law enforcement, veterans, public safety, school safety, criminal background check, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, emergency operations plan
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and make their voice heard in this process. ...open democratic process, but I get suspicious when powerful
- people use that power to go after one particular group or one particular organization, and especially
- TEA, Commissioner Mike Morath, which Chairman Capriglione's bill gives a lot of power to, is a political
- grateful for every minute that my kids spend reading, partly because I respect the transformative power
- That's a ridiculous amount of power for five people.
Bills:
SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843
Keywords:
lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is a powerful and positive shift, but as such...
- QPI leverages the power of relationships and the wisdom of those who've experienced the foster care system
Keywords:
child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- shift to rely on relative kin to provide the majority of our foster care placements, and this is a powerful
- kin children. our foster care placements and this is a our foster care placements and this is a powerful
- :12.480>
shift <01:30:13.480>but <01:30:13.719>as <01:30:14.000>such powerful - and positive shift but as such powerful and positive shift but as such our<01:30:14.840>
system - QPI leverages the power of relationships and the wisdom of those who've experienced the foster care system
Keywords:
child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.124, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for disciplinary procedures for supervisors and managers at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to modify the procedures of personnel actions against employees of the Dep Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments
Summary:
During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that post-COVID inflation has reduced schools' purchasing power, we know that extra...
- It's unlikely that property owners would repeal $100,000 homestead or repeal some future increases. power
- But one of the things that makes his testimony so powerful is not just what he's going to say, but he
Keywords:
HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 1/21/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So, just a little bit of an overview: the judicial branch's mission The judicial branch's mission is
- We have two one-county districts: the Second Judicial District in Ramsey and the Fourth Judicial District
- body for the judicial branch.
- body for the judicial branch.
- District in Ramsey and the Judicial District in Ramsey and the Fourth<00:03:34.920>
Judicial <
Summary:
The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard a budget presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on behalf of the Minnesota judicial branch. Shorba described the courts’ structure, mission, and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court filings annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. He emphasized the branch’s constitutional obligation to provide fair and timely access to justice and said the courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriations. He also highlighted recent accomplishments made possible by prior legislative funding, including eliminating the pandemic felony and gross misdemeanor backlog, expanding remote and hybrid hearings, improving courtroom technology, sustaining treatment courts, and increasing pay for interpreters and psychological examiners.
Shorba outlined the judicial branch’s 2026–27 budget request, which he said totals a 12% increase over the starting biennial base. Major requests included $77.3 million in 2026–27 and $104 million in 2028–29 for a 6% judicial salary increase and related compensation costs; $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $1.76 million in 2028–29 for digital accessibility compliance with new federal ADA rules; $4 million in 2026–27 and $800,000 in 2028–29 to modernize justice partner access to court records; $7.2 million in 2026–27 to raise pay for contract psychological examiners; and $18 million in 2026–27 to increase juror pay from $20 to $100 per day and align mileage rates with federal rates. He also discussed ongoing funding needs for interpreter services, jury costs, cybersecurity, and other statutorily required court services, saying temporary funding provided in the prior session will expire and that permanent support is needed.
Members asked questions about treatment courts, employee bargaining, and mental health competency issues. Representative Eric requested more detail on funding for newly launched and existing treatment courts, and Shorba said many treatment courts begin with federal grants before transitioning to state support after about three years. He confirmed the judicial branch negotiates its own employee contracts rather than the executive branch doing so, and said the branch has three unions plus many unrepresented employees. On mental health and competency, Shorba said the branch is focused on obtaining timely psychological evaluations and is not responsible for treatment services themselves, but acknowledged a shortage of examiners and treatment beds and said a related competency board would be testifying the following week. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Announce Legislation Addressing ICE Activity in Minnesota - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- As legislators, we must do everything in our power to help communities and our local law enforcement
- As legislators, we must do everything in our power to help communities and our local law enforcement
- Um, going to the courts, but the judicial process is slow and it's subject to appeal.
- We're going to follow judicial orders.
- We're going to follow<00:20:58.640>
judicial <00:20:59.200>orders.
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations.
Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts.
In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill ensures fair judicial review for all Texans seeking unemployment benefits.
- House Bill 2760, relating to judicial review of a Texas Workforce Commission decision in an unemployment
- HB 2760, relating to judicial review of a Texas Workforce Commission decision in an unemployment compensation
- Interconnection of a facility in the ERCOT power region to certain other facilities.
- The power of adult stem cells is extraordinary, and this body passed that legislation.
Bills:
HJR34, HB6, HB18, HB39, HB107, HB114, HB138, HB247, HB300, HB647, HB748, HB762, HB793, HB1240, HB1275, HB1397, HB1584, HB1700, HB1875, HB1894, HB1965, HB2071, HB2254, HB2340, HB2350, HB2516, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB2760, HB2842, HB3088, HB3104, HB3260, HB3479, HB3575, HB3687, HB3788, HB4163, HB4187, HB4205, HB4370, HB4384, HB4655, HB4753, HB4809, HB4850, HB5195, HCR90, HCR98, SJR60, SB203, SB317, SB719, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1232, SB1319, SB1483, SB1633, SB1798, SB1978, SB2233, SB2363, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2928, SB3038, SJR5, SB4, SB9, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB458, SB482, SB493, SB840, SB841, SB843, SB912, SB1241, SB1253, SB1350, SB1388, SB1423, SB1535, SB1559, SB1789, SB1951, SB2037, SB2143, SB2155, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2308, HB2525, HJR34, HB1393, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB762, HB2286, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB3146, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB581, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB793, HB1734, HB2340, HB2350, HB3104, HB5180, HB1584, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB2254, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB4205, HB5652, HB3687, HB2025, HB3395, HB2495, HB138, HB18, HB1700, HB4655, HB2516, HB1894, HB1965, HB300, HB2713, HB39, HB114, HB24, HB3088, HB4163, HB3479, HB2842, HB519, HB609, HB1275, HB1592, HB3348, HB120, HB6, HB247, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HB3424, HB2715, HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4396, HB5195, HB4341, HB43, HB5686, HB2467, HB2468, HB2518, HB4310, HB4386, HB4490, HB180, HB5323, HB2, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB2529, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB1978, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB719, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB719, HB39, HB114, HB138, HB247, HB300, HB762, HB793, HB1275, HB1584, HB1700, HB1894, HB1965, HB2254, HB2340, HB2350, HB2760, HB2842, HB3088, HB3104, HB3260, HB3479, HB3575, HB3687, HB3788, HB4163, HB4205, HB4370, HB4655, HB4809, HB5195, SB1978, SR508, HJR34, SB963, SB1383, SB1883, SB1968, HB2525, HB112, HB117, HB557, HB783, HB869, HB876, HB1039, HB1201, HB1347, HB1359, HB1650, HB1788, HB1904, HB1955, HB2370, HB2849, HB2853, HB3066, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3196, HB3241, HB3567, HB3672, HB3715, HB3720, HB3883, HB3954, HB3976, HB4070, HB4098, HB4222, HB4327, HB4359, HB4412, HB4683, HB4755, HB4894, HB4926, HB5115, HB5165, HB5320, HB5437, HB5499, HB5596, HB5650, HB5651, HB5654, HB5656, HB5658, HB5659, HB5661, HB5662, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5671, HB5672, HB5674, HB5676, HB5677, HB5678, HB5679, HB5680, HB5681, HB5682, HB5688, HB5694, HB5695, HB5696, HB5699, HCR46, HCR59, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HCR142, HB112, HB117, HB557, HB783, HB869, HB876, HB1039, HB1201, HB1347, HB1359, HB1650, HB1788, HB1904, HB1955, HB2370, HB2849, HB2853, HB3066, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3196, HB3241, HB3567, HB3672, HB3715, HB3720, HB3883, HB3954, HB3976, HB4070, HB4098, HB4222, HB4327, HB4359, HB4412, HB4683, HB4755, HB4894, HB4926, HB5115, HB5165, HB5320, HB5437, HB5499, HB5596, HB5650, HB5651, HB5654, HB5656, HB5658, HB5659, HB5661, HB5662, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5671, HB5672, HB5674, HB5676, HB5677, HB5678, HB5679, HB5680, HB5681, HB5682, HB5688, HB5694, HB5695, HB5696, HB5699, HCR46, HCR59, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HCR142
Keywords:
HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, mental health