Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial branch'

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.
  • Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you on behalf of the judicial branch.
  • branch.
  • And it causes judicial burnout.
  • We are an independent agency of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2021, we added prosecutor, Supreme Court justices, district court judges, and judicial referees.
  • And then in 2025, we added United States... ...court judges and judicial referees.
  • Branch and the programs that you are creating, you need the people on staff to provide that oversight
  • They should be providing, in my judgment, constant oversight, meeting with executive branch agencies
  • Is there a motion of any sort to provide that those positions be recommended to the legislative branch
Summary: The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time. The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (03/03/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • c><00:51:26.799> I<00:51:26.880> mean<00:51:27.000> it judicial branch there is
  • no I mean it judicial branch there is no I mean it would<00:51:27.280> be<00:51:27.640> an<
  • <02:21:30.600> branch violence cases and the judicial branch violence cases and the judicial
  • <02:22:35.000> oppose the judicial branch so I would oppose the judicial branch so I would
  • judicial branch is already doing judicial branch is already doing something<03:01:25.920> confidence
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez. Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Elections - 02/06/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:25:33.679> uh as uh though uh our executive branch uh as uh though uh our executive branch
  • voting and elections, because I think that opportunity for judicial review is an important balance to
  • Of the ideas that we have around voting and elections, because I think that opportunity for judicial
  • Um, the law was not sufficient enough to have anything done about it after judicial review.
  • Um, the law was not sufficient enough to have anything done about it after judicial review.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted. The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language. Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26) - Reupload

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So to answer the question, there are multiple types of judicial immunity doctrines.
  • branch of the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, boards, commissions
  • for certain information executive branch for certain information has<02:16:06.639> been<02:16
  • of the Commonwealth legislative branch of the Commonwealth of<02:17:26.800> Kentucky.
  • <02:17:37.200> of the judicial branch of the government of the judicial branch of the government
Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action. The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1. The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/11/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • After Miss Fuentes's murder, the judicial branch and the AG's office each undertook thorough reviews
  • branch and the AG's office the judicial branch and the AG's office each<01:34:23.600> undertook
  • My name is Lauren Warner, and I serve as deputy general counsel for the judicial branch. Thank you.
  • So the judicial branch certainly doesn't have a concern in any way on this bill.
  • > certainly<01:40:29.520> doesn't So the judicial branch certainly doesn't So the judicial
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 3:00 PM

Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:05:15.919> operations what's called the judicial operations what's called the judicial
  • way of background, uh, what the judicial way of background, uh, what the judicial operations<00:
  • But in section one, it repeals the judicial operations fund. Mind you, this goes to appropriations.
  • But I've said that this is a third branch of government, and we have a duty to address and get these
  • <00:09:22.800> Um, uh the judicial operations fund. Um, uh the judicial operations fund.
Summary: The committee met to discuss several bills, beginning with a block motion on Senate Bills 2138, 2697, 2707, 2717, and 2726. Those measures were described as code-section updates involving redrawn Supreme Court districts, youth court reforms, Administrative Office of Courts matters, replacement of the MyKids youth court computer system, and Mississippi opioid settlement commission procedures. The committee agreed to take them up together, and the motion to report them title sufficient and due pass carried without opposition. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2890, dealing with the judicial operations fund. Members were told the fund no longer has sufficient revenue to cover court operations and requested judicial raises, and the proposed committee substitute would repeal the fund while conforming related code references. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported title sufficient and due pass. Senate Bill 2730, granting immunity to nonprofits and churches that open during declared emergencies, was amended with a reverse repealer and then passed as amended. Next, Senate Bill 2135 was explained as a change to jury summons procedures so clerks could use the SEMS active/inactive voter designation and summon only active voters, without removing anyone from the voter rolls. The bill drew no opposition and passed, though a reverse repealer was later requested on similar procedural grounds in other bills. Senate Bill 2360 would create a public registry of entities that, though appearing private, are covered by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act; members discussed whether such entities should also be required to identify themselves on websites and written materials, and an amendment to that effect was adopted. A reverse repealer was then added, and the bill passed as amended. Finally, Senate Bill 2362 was presented as a proposal to create a private cause of action under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, allowing claimants to sue directly while still notifying the Attorney General. The sponsor said the bill would not add extra damages and noted similar laws in other states. The committee discussion was cut off in the transcript before a final vote on that bill is shown.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (02/20/2025)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I do not know the judicial branch; they'll have to answer themselves whether they are equipped to be
  • I do not know the judicial branch; they'll have to answer themselves whether they are equipped to be
  • I do not know the judicial branch; they'll have to answer themselves whether they are equipped to be
  • I do not know the judicial branch; they'll have to answer themselves whether they are equipped to be
  • authorizes the New Hampshire judicial authorizes the New Hampshire judicial branch<01:45:19.520>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/12/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • branch may influence disputes involving parenting time and family decision-making.
  • The impacts are quite judicial process.
  • branch thinks there would be um a fiscal impact on them.
  • <00:40:13.359> branch<00:40:13.760> thinks<00:40:14.000> there with the judicial
  • branch thinks there with the judicial branch thinks there would<00:40:14.320> be<00:40:14.720
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Children and Family Law (02/03/2026)

Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • The latest statistics I have from the New Hampshire judicial branch indicated that out of a total of
  • bring that to court and seek judicial bring that to court and seek judicial enforcement<03:10:58.160
  • > discretion significantly curbs judicial discretion significantly curbs judicial discretion and
  • there is uh there's somewhat judicial there is uh there's somewhat judicial discretion<03:14:16.880
  • used Hampshire judicial branch, and it's used Hampshire judicial branch, and it's used basically
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 9th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To begin with, Judge Jennifer Dillingham of the 81st Judicial District Court.
  • Jones, Farmers Branch; Michael P. Kelly, El Paso; Jason M. Ryan, Houston; Kelly R.
  • Would you agree that often it's... in the courts, in the judicial branch, where issues arise that are
  • Provisions through the State Commission on Judicial Conduct direct the local administrative judge to
  • Also, based on recommendations from the Texas Judicial Council, the committee substitute adds similar
Bills: SJR4, SJR40, SJR81, SCR37, SCR39, SB22, SB32, SB33, SB36, SB38, SB95, SB209, SB249, SB311, SB326, SB365, SB458, SB609, SB660, SB664, SB693, SB732, SB745, SB760, SB762, SB779, SB783, SB785, SB868, SB871, SB883, SB921, SB955, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1057, SB1067, SB1151, SB1171, SB1210, SB1255, SB1265, SB1267, SB1271, SB1307, SB1313, SB1316, SB1318, SB1321, SB1332, SB1365, SB1426, SB1470, SB1484, SB1494, SB1559, SB1592, SB1596, SB1598, SB1637, SB1677, SB1706, SB1758, SB1762, SB1786, SB1809, SB1818, SB1822, SB1841, SB1871, SB1967, SB2064, SB2077, SB2112, SB2148, SB2320, SB2406, SB2407, SJR36, SJR81, SJR50, SJR4, SJR40, SJR27, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR37, SB921, SB609, SB660, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB304, SB1023, SB204, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB955, SB957, SB541, SB266, SB1415, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB1062, SB711, SB746, SB1404, SB1448, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB667, SB1059, SB1567, SB310, SB311, SB505, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB1350, SB462, SB827, SB1585, SB1484, SB1273, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1841, SB1008, SB2016, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB860, SB993, SB693, SB1537, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB984, SB619, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1877, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB731, SB268, SB1822, SB1589, SB397, SB1058, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB508, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB618, SB38, SB393, SB1371, SB1365, SB2243, SB2226, SB2039, SB1919, SB1895, SB1598, SB1493, SB1810, SB1791, SB1706, SB1644, SB1238, SB783, SB458, SB22, SB651, SB897, SB1809, SB1080, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1320, SB1437, SB2320, SB2289, SB1171, SB664, SB1637, SB2064, SB868, SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1851, SB1879, SB2237, SB1257, SB2034, SB1522, SB883, SB249, SB1318, SB1151, SB596, SB1191, SB226, SB570, SB870, SB991, SB60, SB365, SB1067, SB1786, SB326, SB1401, SB1592, SB1728, SB1265, SB586, SB529, SB217, SB209, SB1923, SB1559, SB1839, SB387, SB1874, SB1872, SB1873, SB1921, SB1883, SB1677, SB95, SB1620, SB1838, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB2166, SB871, SB510, SB33, SB2420, SB1860, SB1541, SB1316, SB1314, SB1313, SB1426, SB1398, SB1869, SB1750, SB1871, SB36, SB855, SB1233, SB760, SB2425, SB2037, SB1758, SB1759, SB2365, SB1924, SB762, SB1271, SB1818, SB605, SB1405, SB1762, SB1968, SB1977, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB1967, SB1662, SB1663, SB2124, SB2204, SB1855, SB863, SB37, SJR39, SCR1, SCR27, SCR32, SCR42, SCR6, SB2232, SB819, SB2078, SB2252, SB1962, SB2253, SB825, SB1577, SB1184, SB2018, SB2206, SB1901, SB1030, SB2368, SB1963, SB1960, SB1643, SB1625, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB231, SB2411, SB1085, SB2431, SB2231, SB1490, SB530, SB34, SB1261
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rights, and the laws and the judicial Rights, and the laws and the judicial rulings<00:45:40.960
  • Congress gradually relinquish its authority on matters of war to the executive branch.
  • We should be a co-equal branch of government and our duty is not optional.
  • <05:40:01.680> of Representatives, the branch of Representatives, the branch of government
  • ,<06:30:36.000> the As the article 2 uh branch, the As the article 2 uh branch, the president
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rep. Kristin Robbins departing member remarks 5/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Executive branch, legislative branch, judicial layers of government, federal, state, local, county, that
  • And the more that power concentrates, the less free we will become. judicial layers of government, federal
  • , judicial layers of government, federal, state,<00:07:21.360> local,<00:07:22.120> county,
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: Representative Robbins delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House, thanking her family, staff, House support staff, and colleagues. She highlighted her work in the minority, saying she often advanced policy by working across the aisle and helping insert language into other members’ bills. She specifically mentioned efforts on a cell phone policy bill for schools, domestic violence and Minnesota Corporation-related issues, and constituent-service work involving firefighters, pensions, and agency navigation. She also praised the House institution itself, the staff who keep it running, the page and internship programs, and the House librarians. A major theme of her remarks was the value of civility, personal relationships, and bipartisan trust, including support for the Civility Caucus and informal relationship-building among members. She urged colleagues to limit the number of bills, spend more time in committee on substantive debate, and focus on institutional details that improve legislative work. In the latter part of the speech, Robbins argued for limited government, decentralized power, and solutions rooted in local communities rather than expanding bureaucracy. She said state government had grown too large and linked that concern to the fraud committee’s lessons. She closed with personal faith references, a Bible verse, and a quote from Ronald Reagan about limited government, and the chamber responded with applause.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (05/29/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So this way they're going to be under the judicial branch with this advisory committee.
  • <00:22:48.240> branch<00:22:49.039> to committee under the judicial branch to committee
  • under the judicial branch to monitor<00:22:49.760> and<00:22:50.200> support<00:22:51.200
  • advisory the judicial branch with this advisory the judicial branch with this advisory committee
  • Judicial branch is done. That brings you to the second page, and this one's still on hold.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 19th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, we still fall under the quasi-judiciary branch of everything.
  • On crime, the legislature has pushed all three judicial branches, and we have to continue that in order
  • We're on to the fifth judicial district. We're ready when you are.
  • I am District Attorney Diana Luce from the 5th Judicial District.
  • January 1st is the CMO for the first judicial district.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • These moments underscore the personal risks that accompany judicial service.
  • These moments underscore the personal risks that accompany judicial service.
  • These moments underscore the personal risks that accompany judicial service.
  • He has taken everything that the judicial system and these prisons have offered him.
  • But I think our judicial system needs to be revamped.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Judiciary Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:58 pm

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Very few dismissals were driven by judicial rulings or clear evidentiary defects.
  • Case dismissal is the most common judicial outcome, and drug enforcement does not disrupt the supply
  • We serve as a criminal and juvenile justice policy resource to all three branches of state government
  • What are the crime trends in my judicial district? A beautiful interactive thing.
  • Jennifer Padgett-Massias, First Judicial Chief Deputy District Attorney. Good afternoon, Mr.
Bills: SB100
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 6th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • it further erodes our judicial it further erodes our judicial system this is not about an individual
  • chamber we need to dissolve the judicial chamber we need to dissolve the judicial branch in civil procedure
  • a legislative branch and we both we have a legislative branch and we both we have a legislative branch
  • a legislative branch and judicial branch a legislative branch and judicial branch a legislative branch
  • and judicial system branch of system branch of system branch of government that is the framework of
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 3rd, 2025

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • In some cases, where environmental rights cannot be protected through other means, access to judicial
  • All branches of government are involved.
  • It begins with the legislative branch passing legislation, seeking to define in various contexts what
  • If the courts determine through Standard judicial principles that the action or activity is resulting
  • The justices do not seek to displace those other branches of government.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC-AEN Informational Briefing 11-03-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Branches have so much difficulty, not necessarily in Hawaii, but throughout the world, trying to move
  • and the legislative branch has caused them to go to court.
  • and the legislative executive branch and the legislative branch<00:42:49.359> has<00:42:49.599
  • caused them to go branch has caused them to go to<00:42:52.160> court.
  • So you have, in a way, three branches of government, right?
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.