Transcript Highlights:

• polling locations and they have to leave and they don't cast their ballot, or it's really hard for judges
• And the judge and ultimate judge will see those results.
• So that's going to combine early voting and election day ballots coming in with the judges after 7:30
• And many of those election judges were friends of mine.
• I will tell you both parties, and I know for sure the Republican Party, tell their election judges and

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection. The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending. Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending. The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they don't cast their ballot or it's really hard for judges, especially large busy locations like
• and ultimate judge will see those results.
• So that's going to combine early voting and election day ballots coming in with the judges after 7:30
• And many of those election judges were friends of mine.
• Tell you, both parties, uh, and I know for sure the Republican Party, uh, tell their election judges

Bills: HB311

Keywords: flood hazards, recreational vehicles, temporary dwelling structures, Texas Water Development Board, flood safety standards, emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, one significant reason is our judges continue to depart from presumptive prison commitments at
• In the same year, those same judges recorded a zero percent aggravated or upward dispositional departure
• continue to depart from is our judges continue to depart from presumptive<00:04:53.479> prison
• labeled amable to probation our judges labeled amable to probation our judges can<00:05:03.120><
• 42% in the same year those same judges 42% in the same year those same judges recorded<00:05:22.800

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a bill to reduce the number of judges in Orleans Parish.
• The result of the conference committee report is that no civil district court judges will be eliminated
• Three criminal district court judges will be abolished. Thank you.
• Three criminal district court judges will be abolished, and those would be divisions A, E, and J.
• Then two juvenile court judges will be reduced, and two municipal and traffic court judges.

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, SB78, SB25, SB80, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB228, SB250, SB414, SB433, SB479, SB513, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB217, SB283, SB469, HB36, HB42, HB74, HB119, HB159, HB259, HB302, HB414, HB459, HB776, HB848, HB956, HB1017, HB1028, HB1095, SB208, SB312, SB382, SB389, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB368, HB468, HB552, HB732, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB1117, HB1236

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• But what you have is ultimately a judge—nobody's complaining about these being filed together—but a judge
• basically filing an improper joinder, and that's not the decision of a judge to make.
• The judge can't provide that exception on their own motion.
• And so you had an incident where a judge just didn't want to sign your judgment? Yep. Okay.
• When the judge reads it, that judge can follow along.

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Briefly, when a judge dismisses a felony criminal charge for having no probable cause at a preliminary
• If a judge determines, after listening to the evidence, that there is not probable cause to support a
• Under current law, when a judge removes a charge at the preliminary hearing due to a lack of evidence
• , Under current law, when a judge removes a charge at the preliminary hearing due to a lack of evidence
• Under AB 1917, after a magistrate judge dismisses a charge for lack of evidence, prosecutors will use

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 15, 2026, for a regular order hearing on 38 bills. The chair announced that AB 2457 was pulled to a later hearing, reviewed public testimony rules, established a quorum, and approved the consent calendar in two motions. Bills on the consent calendar were moved either to the Assembly floor consent calendar or to the floor non-consent calendar, and the suspense calendar was deemed approved as read. The committee then heard AB 1917 by Assemblymember Schultz, which would require prosecutors to file an 871.5 motion to reinstate felony charges dismissed at a preliminary hearing for lack of probable cause, rather than simply adding the charges back. The author and supporters, including the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, Californians for Safety and Justice, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and several advocacy groups, argued the bill would improve due process, transparency, and court efficiency by reducing unnecessary litigation and costs. No opposition testimony was presented. After questions and a motion, the committee took a roll call vote on AB 1917. Members voting were recorded as aye, and the bill passed out of committee. The hearing then concluded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Briefly, when a judge dismisses a felony criminal charge for having no probable cause at a preliminary
• If a judge determines, after listening to the evidence, that there is not probable cause to support a
• Under current law, when a judge removes a charge at the preliminary hearing due to a lack of evidence
• , Under current law, when a judge removes a charge at the preliminary hearing due to a lack of evidence
• Under AB 1917, after a magistrate judge dismisses a charge for lack of evidence, prosecutors will use

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 15, 2026, to consider 38 bills. The chair announced that AB 2457 was held over to a later hearing, reviewed public testimony procedures, established a quorum, and then took up the consent calendar and suspense calendar. Bills on the consent calendar were approved in two motions: one set for floor consent eligibility and another for bills not eligible for floor consent. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved, covering a large group of bills including ABs 1539, 1602, 1604, 1616, 1618, 1707, 1731, 1737, 1746, 1754, 1787, 1788, 1827, 1861, 1866, 1877, 1941, 1960, 2115, 2462, 2472, 2494, 2593, and 2607. The committee then heard AB 1917 by Mr. Schultz, which would require prosecutors to file a motion to reinstate a felony charge dismissed at the preliminary hearing for lack of probable cause, rather than simply adding the charge back. The author and supporter Tal Clement of the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office argued the bill would improve due process, transparency, and court efficiency by reducing unnecessary litigation and ensuring charges are supported by evidence. Support was also noted from the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office and several allied organizations, while no opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the committee moved the bill and later completed a roll call vote. AB 1917 passed out of committee with recorded ayes from members including Pacheco and Calderon, and the chair announced the bill was out. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the judge we were looking at. I don't know what the proof was. I've heard bits and pieces.
• That is the judge we were impeachment. That is the judge we were looking<01:18:35.960> at.
• It is equally as important that our judges be able to interpret the law without fear of reprisal and
• And when it comes to a judge as an attorney, frankly, I got to see some pretty serious evidence.
• Now, I don't know what the evidence in this case is, but in general when you're talking about a judge

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Macias when he was Judge Macias.
• I did serve on the bench as a district court judge for 11 years, 3 of those years as the Chief Judge,
• Thank you, Chief Power and Judge. Thank you, uh, DA Macias.
• I know judges kind of freak out on that, uh, but the judge only has 2000 hours a year.
• You know, what the DA's do, what the judges do, we can't control that part.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge, you could move the mic. Thank you, sir. Right.
• Hold on, Judge. If you don't mind just waiting a little... It's about 142 feet. Hold on, Judge.
• Eastland, whatever his intentions are, Judge, you said it.
• Okay, Judge. Thank you, Judge.
• Garrett and Judge Massingale, thank you again.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• judges judges with<00:57:23.880> their<00:57:24.040> home<00:57:24.240> addresses,<
• most people know where the judge lives. most people know where the judge lives.
• > for<00:57:40.520> their Judges are very scared for their Judges are very scared for their
• judge answered the door, and the judge<00:58:11.240> was<00:58:11.400> shot.
• judge was shot. judge was shot.

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this one on moving the retirement age for judges?
• By judges who don't appear to give a taker's damn, By judges who don't appear to give a taker's damn
• When you have judges Do a little research.
• Frankly, the judge should be impeached.
• This amendment does not judge faith. It clarifies authority.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New judges require additional clerk staffing and resources.
• Therefore, we're seeking $11.7 million to cover clerk staffing to support the 37 new judges that were
• This request does not cover resources for any future new judges that may be approved.
• New judges require additional clerk staffing and resources.
• This request does not cover resources for any future new judges that may be approved.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be a judge.
• The referee is a judge.
• The referee is a judge. said that she had. The Court of Florida appoints a referee.
• The referee is a judge.
• law, and that chief judge appoints a referee, who is another judge, to sit and determine that case.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present. The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording. The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff was instructed to gather information regarding the current caseload of assignments to circuit judges
• Staff will report to the committee on the information obtained in the next... cases assigned to each judge
• The county judge appoints the five members of the library board, which then appoints the county librarian
• The librarian reports directly to the board, but works under the authority of the county judge, who has
• And so whether or not the federal judge was monitoring as closely as maybe we would or not is obviously

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill protects the personal information of administrative law judges to help keep these judges safe
• The State Office of Administrative Hearings is tasked with overseeing these judges and ensuring their
• When a private citizen has a complaint about a state agency, that complaint is heard by a SOAH judge.
• Criminal conduct by state licensees can pose threats to administrative law judges due to the severity
• The bill amends the federal government code to include both current and former administrative law judges

Bills: HCR141, SB438, SB1495, SB1964, HB 1225

Keywords: HCR 141, House Concurrent Resolution, NASA, Houston, Space City, Johnson Space Center, Mission Control, Apollo 11, moon landing, aerospace, commercial space, space exploration, Texas Space Commission, space policy, federal resolution, memorial resolution, Congress, Washington D.C., headquarters relocation, space industry

Transcript Highlights:

• judges to literally, in the middle of the proceedings, undercut a prosecutor's case.
• Now, a preliminary hearing, the reason why this is significant... ...is right now, the judge only has
• is why it's relevant to give all sides the opportunity to not only gather evidence, but allow the judge
• because the actual evidence that's going to be presented at trial is now going to be presented to a judge
• Do not let anyone confuse any sort of issue about certain judges and certain jurisdictions doing things

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine procedural business, including dispensing with the reading of the prior journal, re-referring several bills, and approving committee scheduling requests. There was also a point of order from Assemblymember DeMaio asking about a possible Governor’s message regarding Medi-Cal, but the chair said no formal message had been received at the desk. The main floor debate centered on AB 321 by Assemblymember Schultz, the Better Informed Decisions Act, which would allow courts to consider reducing certain “wobbler” offenses from felonies to misdemeanors later in the criminal process if new evidence emerges. Supporters argued it would improve fairness, transparency, and efficiency by letting judges make better-informed decisions; opponents said it would weaken felony accountability and conflict with voter intent on public safety. The bill passed on a 46-5 vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 47 by Assemblymember Chen, declaring March 16–22 as National Surveyors Week, with 63 co-authors added and the resolution adopted by voice vote. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, which expands jury duty exemptions to include probation officers, passed 64-0. On the consent calendar, ACR 46, HR 9, HR 22, and SCR 17 were adopted with unanimous votes, and the Assembly adjourned until Monday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so chaired by Judge Parkili.
• <00:12:08.720> and much for being here today judge and much for being here today judge and
• So, thank you, Judge. I appreciate this. So, thank you, Judge.
• Uh, and Judge Park Hoapili will continue her leadership there.
• Uh and Judge Park Hapili will work.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held an information briefing on expungement and record clearance, with Chair David Tarnis and Vice Chair Mahina Poo Poy emphasizing second chances and the legislature’s recent work on state-initiated relief. The chair reviewed prior measures, including Act 62 (2024), which created Hawaii’s first state-initiated expungement pilot for certain non-conviction cannabis-related arrests, Act 159 (2023), which required automatic sealing or removal of expunged records from the judiciary’s public database, and Act 241 (2024), which created the Clean Slate Task Force. He said the committee invited the Clean Slate Initiative and Code for America because of their national experience with state-initiated record clearance systems. Phil Hickden of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and Attorney General’s office reported that Act 62 was implemented using existing resources and no new funding, initially covering single-charge, pre-2020 arrests in Hawaii County for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and later expanded by Act 005 (2025) to all arrests under HRS 712-1249 regardless of drug type. He said the project identified 2,268 potentially eligible records, with 1,072 processed so far, 989 granted and 83 denied, and that the work has taken about 872 staff hours and roughly 45 days per expungement. He also said the office has identified about 412,000 people who could potentially qualify for expungement under broader legislation, though that estimate does not include case-by-case research. Michelle Acasta of the judiciary explained that Act 159 changed the process so HCJDC now digitally transmits expungement certificates to the court, eliminating the applicant’s second step of filing paperwork with the court. She said the courts still manually review eligibility, but the process is easier because certificates now include a case ID and HCJDC provides additional information to help locate records. She reported that since implementation the courts received 125 certificates in July and 87 in August, with 17 court orders filed in July and August, including 81 in the First Circuit, 14 in Maui, 7 in the Third Circuit, and 15 in the Fifth Circuit. She also noted that the Hawaii Supreme Court’s State v. Rogan decision affects procedure by requiring a written request or motion, an opportunity to be heard, and written findings for sealing court records, and that new Supreme Court rules are expected for public comment. Members asked about qualitative outcomes and whether the process could be expanded statewide; staff said they do not track recidivism or personal stories, and the chair encouraged further discussion before the next session to identify barriers and capacity needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The way I read the bill, the judge doesn't have any latitude but to approve the motion for the change
• But as far as the judge not liking the attorney or, you know, having their favorite attorney, You know
• , whatever, no, the judge can't approve that.
• All right, members, any questions for Judge Herman? All right, thank you.
• All right, members, any questions for Judge Herman? All right.

Bills: SB1960, SB1730, SB766, SB2342, SB2501, SB2903

Keywords: digital rights, replication, Voice likeness, visual likeness, private causes of action, fee structure, online service providers, postmortem rights, self-defense, stand your ground, castle doctrine, use of force, deadly force, civil immunity, civil liability, tort claims, attorney fees, court costs, lost income, Chapter 9 Penal Code

Transcript Highlights:

• So are we talking about a judge? Yeah. So are we talking about a judge?
• I mean, I think we're talking about judges.
• So if the judges people from lawsuit.
• I just was I judge has to grant that.
• One judge dismissed the first case without a hearing, and the second judge also dismissed the other petition

Bills: HB0070, HB0043, HB0103, HB0157, HB0092, SF0092

Keywords: foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits