Video & Transcript : 'code city' :
Page 456 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is, however, listed by the State Department as funding under instructional assignment codes.
- And it is, however, listed by the State Department as funding under instructional assignment codes.
- And it is, however, listed by the State Department as funding under instructional assignment codes.
- And it is, however, listed by the State Department as funding under instructional assignment codes.
- There's even one vice principal under this coding, director, director of Elevate...
Committee:
House Education
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So looking at Idaho Code, agencies were instructed to provide the Doge Committee Idaho Code.
- So agencies were instructed to provide the Doge Committee updates and revisions to their code that affect
- their agencies to update that code.
- This is another code cleanup from the Doge Committee efforts and from the bill that we passed.
- And so this is removing that term and that program from any areas of code that it was in because that
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The committee first approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then introduced three RSs. Senator Shippey presented RS 33086 on protection of working animals, which would bar local governments and agencies from enacting rules that effectively ban working animals or working animal enterprises; members asked whether rodeo animals and service animals were covered, and the RS was sent to print. Senator Blaylock presented two code-cleanup RSs from the DOGE committee effort, one removing obsolete programs and another deleting references to the Idaho One plan; both were sent to print after brief discussion.
The committee then considered several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets. Lloyd Knight presented a repeal of the Idaho Hop Growers Commission rule because it duplicated statute, and the committee approved it. He also presented temporary and pending rules on grizzly bear and wolf depredation compensation, explaining the rules implement HB 592 and HB 82, establish definitions and a compensation matrix, and set priorities for confirmed, probable, and possible claims, along with conflict-prevention funding; a virtual witness from Living with Wolves supported the rules, and the committee approved both dockets. Dr. Scott Livesley then presented zero-based rewrites of the brucellosis, tuberculosis, and public exchange of livestock rules, emphasizing that the changes were mostly reorganization and clarification with no major regulatory changes.
During the animal disease rule presentations, Dr. Livesley gave background on Idaho’s brucellosis and TB surveillance programs, including the designated surveillance area near Yellowstone, mandatory testing and vaccination requirements, and the role of federal and state agencies. Senators asked about federal involvement, vaccination, and emergency entry provisions, and Dr. Livesley explained the limits of wildlife vaccination and the need for ongoing surveillance. For the livestock exchange rule, he described the three public exchange venues and a change allowing end-of-day electronic sale reports instead of individual paper releases. Jeff Abrams of the Idaho Conservation League later testified in support of the depredation framework but urged more funding for conflict minimization and future compensation needs. The committee completed its rule approvals and then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that will continue to be a call to action for our transportation cabinet to coordinate with our cities
- to coordinate transportation cabinet to coordinate with<00:01:56.880><c> our</c><00:01:57.119><c> cities
- ,</c><00:01:57.600><c> counties,</c><00:01:58.479><c> and</c><00:01:58.719><c> the</c> with our cities
- , counties, and the with our cities, counties, and the state.<00:01:59.680><c> Um</c><00:02:00.640><c
- 00:16:00.480><c> towards</c> medically tailored opportunities through reimbursements and billable coding
Summary:
The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association.
Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals.
The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans.
Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Expedited rulemaking and include some repealers related to, um, uh, outdated fire safety codes.
- applicants already operate large cultivation facilities with retail locations spread around the Twin Cities
- applicants already operate large cultivation facilities with retail locations spread around the Twin Cities
- applicants already operate large cultivation facilities with retail locations spread around the Twin Cities
- applicants already operate large cultivation facilities with retail locations spread around the Twin Cities
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
CHILDREN & YOUTH COMMITTEE- SENATE & AGING, CHILDREN & YOUTH, AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS- HOUSE Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- mentioned those juvenile detention centers, the 10 that are left, eight of those are in the larger cities
- We have the only two that we have that are not in a larger city, at least by Arkansas standards, would
- So basically we have a small city of kids not at school on any given day. Yes. Thank you. Yeah.
- So basically we have a small city of kids, not at school on any given day. Yes. Thank you. Yeah.
- can look at this and process this tragedy that we're dealing with, with the violence in certain zip codes
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then approved Representative Bentley’s appointment to the Child Maltreatment Oversight Committee. Members then received the Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review annual report, which covered unexpected child deaths in 2023. Reviewers said 170 non-natural deaths were identified, but 22 could not be reviewed because of criminal investigations, prosecutions, or missing records. Of the 148 reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 were undetermined causes, including sudden unexpected infant death. Members asked how the report’s recommendations could be used, and presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies, nonprofits, and others; they also noted that child abuse prevention grant applications are being shaped by the report’s recommendations and offered to share the RFP with the committee. A question about suicide and homicide data by age was answered by pointing members to the age breakdown in the report, with most of those deaths concentrated among 15- to 17-year-olds.
The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was meant to confront data on juvenile incarceration and the cost of the system, while Senator Irvin, Judge Troy Braswell, Judge Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described years of reform efforts built around validated risk assessments, diversion, and community-based services. They said Arkansas adopted tools such as SAVRY, the MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening to individualize juvenile court responses, and they emphasized that the goal is to keep children at home and in their communities when safe to do so. Members discussed the need for more mental health and substance-abuse services, better school collaboration, and the role of school safety dashboards and FINS/truancy cases in identifying problems earlier.
Judges and staff said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, though they noted data gaps in some counties and the need for better reporting. They also stressed that some serious offenses still require detention or commitment, and that judges must balance public safety with rehabilitation. Representative Barnes and others asked whether the numbers might be worse without judicial discretion and community programs, and the presenters agreed that individualized decision-making and graduated sanctions matter. Representative Inatt asked about tracking youth with disabilities, and the presenters said that specific diagnoses are not currently tracked but that national court data efforts may soon add behavioral-health data points. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided detailed data on DYS commitments, secure and community-based placements, detention-center use, demographics, offense levels, average length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, costs, and interagency coordination. He said commitments fell sharply during COVID, have since risen and then begun to decline, and that the system is working to reduce detention use, improve education and treatment, and expand community-based providers statewide.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/14/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- those include watermarked bank security paper, optically variable inks, and unique barcodes or QR codes
- But I do know from my experience being on the city council that developers tend to bundle donations,
- And I've seen it happen in my own city. So, I mean, I'll get my opinion about the bill later.
- Chairwoman, Senator, it's the final legal act that county boards of supervisors—and, for your example, city
- want to talk about analogies, look at all the administrative actions that take place, you know, in city
Summary:
The committee began with lengthy testimony and affidavits criticizing the Arizona State Bar, with speakers alleging selective discipline, due process problems, and retaliation against attorneys who take controversial cases. Committee members questioned the witnesses and discussed whether the bar and court system properly oversee attorney discipline, but no action was taken on that testimony.
The committee then considered several election-related bills. SB 1037 would impose stricter security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet access, tamper-proof seals, chain-of-custody documentation, nonstop video at accounting centers, and criminal penalties for violations; it passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1038 would require rapid public release of cast vote records, but an amendment changed the timing and transmission process; the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1040 would expand public access to voter registration rolls through an internet portal and a read-only format; it also passed 4-2 with one not voting.
The committee next approved SB 1039, which would allow attorneys who prevail in bar discipline matters to seek damages for reputational harm and lost earnings; it passed 4-2 with one not voting after extensive discussion about bar procedures, interim suspension, and whether attorneys can practice while under investigation. SB 1053, reducing concealed carry permit fees for Arizona residents, passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1057, requiring ballot paper fraud-countermeasure features, also passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1060, removing a voting exemption for U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States, passed 3-2 with two not voting. The committee then heard SB 1061, which would lower the fentanyl threshold for enhanced sentencing from 200 grams to 9 grams; testimony focused on whether the bill would sweep in users as well as dealers, but the transcript ends before a vote is taken.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- those include watermarked bank security paper, optically variable inks, and unique barcodes or QR codes
- But I do know from my experience being on the city council that developers tend to bundle donations,
- And I've seen it happen in my own city. So, I mean, I'll get my opinion about the bill later.
- Chairwoman, Senator, it's the final legal act that county boards of supervisors and, for your example, city
- want to talk about analogies, look at all the administrative actions that take place, you know, in city
Bills:
SB1003 , SB1006 , SB1029 , SB1037 , SB1038 , SB1039 , SB1040 , SB1053 , SB1057 , SB1060 , SB1061 , SB1068 , SB1069
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Elections
Keywords:
election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/03/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- recently spoke to a woman, um, originally from the western part of the state, and she now lives in a city
- recently spoke to a woman, um, originally from the western part of the state, and she now lives in a city
- She was originally from the western part of the state and now lives in a city because she can't drive
- chilling effect and leave some mental health providers feeling that there is a conflict between the NASW code
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- We're the only four-year public university within the city. of Dallas.
- As Houston is the second largest, largest, I'm sorry, is the largest city in the state of Texas, Secure
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimates a living wage in each city.
- A person's life expectancy should not be dictated by their zip code.
- We're the 22nd largest city in the United States, and of the top 25, we're the only one that doesn't
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- You folks spend a lot of time reviewing building codes, approving them, and moving them forward.
- Why shouldn't a builder know the codes we're building towards?
- </c><00:21:11.919><c> But</c><00:21:12.080><c> you</c> about those building codes.
- But you about those building codes. But you folks,<00:21:13.120><c> they</c><00:21:13.520><c> exist.
- It is self-monitored through a code of ethics and a board of ethics, but they have some teeth behind
Committee:
House Housing
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a different reason code that I need to use for food support or SNAP. It's like that.
- I have a different reason code that I need to use for food support or SNAP. It's like that.
- Today, notices are hardwired or hard-coded into MAXIS.
- I feel like at this point in time they probably have the security codes are building.
- I feel like at this point in time they probably have the security codes are building.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill just brings forward the code sections on ballot initiatives.
- </c><00:12:42.959><c> Uh</c> code sections on ballot initiatives.
- Uh code sections on ballot initiatives.
- </c><00:12:45.920><c> sections</c> we have um we have these code sections we have um we have these code
- just brings uh the code sections forward for<00:13:13.519><c> us.
Committee:
Joint Elections
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And the current level of codes, ABA reimbursement for these codes, is already too low to cover costs
- So just as an example, one of the primary ABA codes that are used One of the primary ABA codes that are
- However, that code requires that there's a two-to-one ratio of behavior technicians to patient.
- Now, these data that I created here use that disposition code.
- So the severity code runs from zero or one... Yeah, absolutely.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs.
The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers.
In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:26.919><c> from</c><00:08:27.120><c> the</c><00:08:27.280><c> building</c><00:08:27.639><c> code
- </c> there's anything from the building code there's anything from the building code subcommittee<00:
- the building municipal enforcement of the building and<00:09:04.720><c> fire</c><00:09:05.040><c> codes
- that's the recodification and fire codes that's the recodification okay<00:09:07.920><c> definitely<
- </c><01:34:27.280><c> for</c> each department uh town or city for each department uh town or city for
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously.
The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee first took up Senate Bill 1439, which would extend the reporting deadline for the model school facility committee from 2026 to 2027 because the group will not meet the original July 1 reporting target. Senator Cook moved the bill to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried without opposition.
The committee then discussed House Bill 940, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) bill. Senators and the bill sponsors described proposed amendments that would revise the definition of a “custom section” to better serve small rural schools while limiting larger districts from using the provision in ways they said were not intended. The discussion also covered a funding change making the program subject to appropriation and limiting access to the Public Education Stabilization Fund, with sponsors saying the changes were meant to align spending with projected enrollment and require a supplemental request if enrollment exceeds estimates. Several members raised concerns about cuts to IDLA, the impact on rural students, and the lack of time to review the amendments.
After debate, Senator Cook withdrew his second on the motion to send HB 940 to the 14th order for possible amendments, and Senator Cook then moved to hold the bill at the call of the chair. The committee agreed to delay action, with the chair indicating the bill would be brought back the next morning after JFAC so members could review the written amendments and continue discussion, with limited public input. The committee adjourned until 8:45 a.m. the following day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
- It said, notwithstanding the code or any other code or any other law, that we would actually cap the
Committee:
Senate Education
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- bit more technical, but the risk models that we're talking about are based on physician diagnoses coding
- Are based on physician diagnoses coding.
- They can do, you know, they have armies of people out there making sure that the coding is correct from
- But so if you're in an MAPD like you currently are, that's great, because you have all the coding there
- PD like you currently are, that's great because you have all the coding there, the risk score is going
Summary:
The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the state employee Medicare Advantage group plan and the ongoing rebid with UnitedHealthcare. Wallace said the agency is exploring “decoupling” the medical and pharmacy portions of the plan, and that preliminary estimates suggested potential savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He said the final CMS rate-setting process would conclude in April, with a revised contract amendment likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance. He also clarified that the plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools.
Representatives from Segal Consulting then gave a broader presentation on Medicare Advantage and Part D market trends, reviewing Arkansas’s prior decision to adopt a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan and the savings generated since the 2023 RFP. They explained that the Inflation Reduction Act significantly changed Part D financing by shifting more federal support into a direct subsidy tied to risk scores, which makes accurate risk adjustment more important and creates a larger difference between Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans and standalone Part D plans. They said this has led to a growing divergence in funding, especially for standalone Part D, and is the main reason decoupling medical and pharmacy coverage is being considered.
Committee members asked about how the risk-score changes affect costs and members. Segal said the new structure has reduced member out-of-pocket costs, with the annual cap now at $2,000 and many members reaching it after roughly $600 to $800 in spending, but that the plan absorbs more of the cost. They also said the market appears to be adjusting through annual bids, and that a decoupled structure could allow the state to capture more favorable funding on the Part D side. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after being told to expect further information once the April rate notice and renewal proposal are available.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 01:53 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is, again, updating the recidivism statute that we've had in code.
- And so, well, that I guess has a problem because there is no 61-2-10-C in code.
- That's not—there's a 61-2-10-C in code. That's not—there's a 61-2-10-C in code.
- I don't believe it's in the code. Yeah, that's how it came. That's fine.
- Yeah, I do believe that that's not in the code. I think you're correct. Okay. All right.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 PM
Universities and Colleges
Transcript Highlights:
- The last bill that is before us is, um, we are simply bringing forth the code sections of IHL.
- So, at this time I would recognize Senator Delano for a motion that we bring forth those code sections
- ><00:09:46.480><c> sections</c><00:09:47.279><c> um</c><00:09:47.440><c> of</c> bringing forth the code
- sections um of bringing forth the code sections um of IHL.<00:09:49.360><c> um</c><00:09:49.519><c>
- 06.720><c> those</c> for a motion that we bring forth those for a motion that we bring forth those code
Committee:
Joint Universities and Colleges
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's Chapter 161.001B10 of the Family Code. 161.001 of the Family Code, and it allows a parent's rights
- But the thing is, there's another provision right next to it in the code that allows termination of rights
- parents in these cases have vigorous legal representation, and we need to make sure that our family code
- parents in these cases have vigorous legal representation, and we need to make sure that our family code
- is not stacking the deck against the parents before the cases even begin. code is not stacking the deck
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended.
Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary.
Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.