Transcript Highlights:

• immunity and clarifies the judicial basis for the claim.
• The claim does not seek damages for a judicial decision.
• The scope of absolute judicial immunity is limited.
• Absolute judicial immunity applies only to acts that are judicial in nature and acts taken within the
• Failure to enforce a remand order is not a judicial act.

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:00.079> um<00:11:00.399> allow<00:11:00.800> for<00:11:01.120> judicial
• in this bill is to um allow for judicial in this bill is to um allow for judicial review<00:11:03.519
• <00:21:13.280> across<00:21:13.760> the studies and experience across the studies and
• experience across the country<00:21:15.280> uh<00:21:15.520> that<00:21:16.080> the
• uh in getting the device experience uh in getting the device installed<00:29:36.480> in<00:29

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, and thank you for your comments, especially your experiences as an aide.
• I'd like to tell you more about that personal experience.
• And I could tell you, from personal experience in doing investigation work around the country, you go
• Shortly into my service, I also had the unfortunate experience of having an impacted wisdom tooth.
• That experience taught me something that I never expected.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Previously, a minor of any age could marry with parental consent and judicial approval, and that 2017
• In our experience, domestic violence shelters across the US routinely turn away unaccompanied minors.
• Additionally, in our experience as direct service providers, domestic violence shelters routinely turn
• She is more likely to experience intimate partner violence, both physical and sexual, and be forced to
• In the judicial system. They stopped and said, hey, are you OK?

Bills: HB168

Keywords: certificates of obligation, local government debt, municipal finance, county finance, public works, bond election, voter petition, registered voters, refinancing certificates, Texas Local Government Code, municipality, county, hospital district, infrastructure financing, public improvement, debt issuance, general obligation alternative, public oversight, local bonds, historic preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnessing the growth firsthand has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to seeing the ways
• Jack Yates is the only 4-A school from the Houston area competing at this level, and from my experience
• The officers who wield the judicial power of the state of Texas.
• To fund the judicial branch at a level that allows for fair and efficient justice to be done across our
• Back quickly to the topic of judicial pay, he had to leave the bench many years ago to help send his

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the district defender for the 23rd Judicial District, which encompasses Assumption, Ascension, and
• I am the chief defender in the 15th and the 16th judicial districts.
• He said he is the district defender in the 4th Judicial District, which he identified as Washita and
• He said he is the district defender in the 4th Judicial District, which he identified as Washita and
• Romanak said she is the chief public defender for the 19th Judicial District, which is East Baton Rouge

Summary: The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, established a quorum, and adopted the agenda. Public comment took up most of the meeting, with numerous district defenders and chief defenders speaking in support of State Public Defender Remy Starns. Speakers from several districts said the system is more unified, communication with the state office has improved, and local offices feel better supported than in the past. Several also credited Starns with visiting districts, helping with local issues, and improving coordination on capital and non-capital work. One speaker, Richard Thompson, emphasized Starns’ background and training under Sam Dalton, and another noted that a recent staffing decision in St. John the Baptist Parish ultimately proved beneficial for mentorship and resource sharing. Starns then gave his state public defender report. He said the system has improved over the last seven years and argued that public defense still needs a stable, renewable funding source comparable to other parts of the criminal justice system. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, a law eliminating filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee claims after a recent Louisiana Supreme Court decision. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and post-conviction work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and use local and state resources more efficiently. He thanked the board, the Public Defenders Association, and the late Mike Ginnart, whom he praised for his leadership and service. The board then considered and adopted proposed bylaws. Members discussed the need for a vice chair and a secretary, the role of special committees, and whether committee meetings should be public and limited to less than a quorum. The bylaws were adopted with the understanding that a committee would review and refine them later; volunteers were named for that committee. The board then elected a vice chair and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff assistance, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely unchanged from FY25 except for updates to reflect current law, accessibility requirements, training, compliance, and communication goals. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, like I alluded to with Representative Vetter, I have some experience with frivolous lawsuits.
• referees, judicial court directors, probation officers, employees of law enforcement agencies, employees
• referees, judicial court directors, probation officers, employees of law enforcement agencies, employees
• Judicial court supervisors and probation officers were added in 2003, and during the 2021 legislative
• DAPL situations that Representative Clement talked about, prosecutors, district court judges, and judicial

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is using the power of the judiciary in order to obtain information and other matters in a judicial
• And we're giving him... ...and we're giving him judicial authority and investigative authority.
• Which is basically a judicial decision that if a... ...basically a judicial decision that if an individual
• Oftentimes, parents experience panic due to...
• 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

Transcript Highlights:

• But I guess I'll just speak from my experience.
• I have personal experience of being verbally assaulted on the job multiple times over my career.
• Next, we strongly support people and grace judicial resources.
• A.m., Massachusetts, and I wanted to share my experience here. I am opposed to a ban on kratom.
• In terms of my experience, I am opposed to a ban on kratom.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• immunity and clarifies the judicial basis for the claim.
• , or the exercise of judicial discretion.
• The scope of absolute judicial immunity applies only to acts that are judicial in nature and acts taken
• Failure to enforce a remand order is not a judicial act.
• The enforcement of a remand order is not a judicial act.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• immunity and clarifies the judicial basis for the claim.
• The claim does not seek damages for a judicial decision.
• Absolute judicial immunity applies only to acts that are judicial in nature and acts taken within the
• Failure to enforce a remand order is not a judicial act.
• There—the only other judicial—yeah, it sounds like the court is…” “…judicial court is Judge Hickey’s

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have extensive experience in condominium governance and management. 383 let me introduce myself to
• <00:42:51.319> in have extens extensive experience in have extens extensive experience in
• review process to go back and judicial review process to go back and take<01:29:53.480> a<01:
• legislative intent for future judicial legislative intent for future judicial review<01:30:16.760
• <03:50:00.239> and student undergraduate experience and student undergraduate experience and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:44.000> Selection thanks to the Judicial Selection thanks to the Judicial Selection
• And within government, I've served in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Can you talk about your experiences and your commitment to that impartiality? Sure.
• Can you talk about your<00:15:54.440> experiences your experiences your experiences and<00:15:
• And so that work and the breadth of experience that I have, I think, allows me to have a good perspective

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a depth of experience with a lot of different subjects.
• Terrific experience, all very good lawyers, very, very bright.
• She's entirely new, so please tell her nice things about the experience she's about to encounter.
• Orders are time-limited, subject to regular judicial review and issued.
• Judicial oversight ensures accountability across providers while preserving individual rights.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a depth of experience with a lot of different subjects.
• Terrific experience, all very good lawyers, very, very bright.
• She's entirely new, so please tell her nice things about the experience she's about to encounter.
• This is, tell us your experience just real quick here. What year are you in law school? Okay, good.
• Judicial oversight ensures accountability across providers while preserving individual rights.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• So then we talk about the taxpayer experience and the expectations.
• Another experience and expectation of tax... taxpayers is free filing and so you're familiar with the
• So when we do talk about taxpayer experience...
• To give you an idea of what taxpayers experience with the Franchise Tax Board and response rate, most
• Recommendations 3 through 6 are about timing with the judicial process.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:44.200> where see H have you done experiments where see H have you done experiments
• a year or two of experience to to me the a year or two of experience to to me the the<03:54:28.840>
• things that are these quas judicial things that are these quas judicial things<04:15:23.399>
• So the first decision is: do we want this non-judicial judicial function to exist, right?
• /c> judicial branch judicial branch um<04:54:11.600> and<04:54:11.760> then<04:54:12.160

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your advice really prepared us for our page debate and opened our eyes and minds to your experiences
• joint order and the House Joint Resolution, nominations have been made by the Senate for certain judicial
• Nominations are now in order for judges of the judicial circuit.
• Block voting for judges and other judicial officers will now commence.
• duly elected as judges of the juvenile and domestic relations district courts of the appropriate judicial

Keywords: March 13, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of our lived-experience staff members was once asked by a board member about the buyers.
• I'm not sure how much experience you have with that.
• authorizes the New Hampshire judicial authorizes the New Hampshire judicial branch<01:45:19.520>
• That is not the case; there is judicial discretion there.
• that is not the case there is judicial that is not the case there is judicial discretion<01:59:13.400

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• salaries from April regarding judicial salaries from April 1st<00:29:10.080> of<00:29:10.240>
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• Um, members, we will transition to the education and experience required to be education and experience
• <00:48:05.200> and requirements for experience and requirements for experience and education

Keywords: 1183, house