Transcript Highlights:

• judicial branch judges have the power to deal with interruptions in the courtroom by use of criminal contempt
• By use of criminal contempt proceedings, if necessary.

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon adjournment of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 4:00PM est. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:20 HB 10: 00:00:47 HB 399: 00:03:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two House bills. House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, was presented as a response to squatting. The sponsors said it would create a streamlined process to remove unauthorized occupants from real property, define “squatter” in statute, and keep existing criminal mischief penalties aligned for damage to property. After a motion and second, the bill was approved and reported favorably with the expression that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 399, relating to interference with legislative proceedings. The sponsor and the Senate Sergeant at Arms said the bill is intended to protect the General Assembly’s ability to conduct business by penalizing obstructing or impeding legislators or legislative employees and disruptive conduct in legislative spaces, while still allowing protest. They emphasized that the measure would give the legislative branch protections similar to those already available to the executive and judicial branches, and that arrests would be made only at the call of leadership or a committee chair. Members voted to advance House Bill 399 after discussion. One senator explained that while he supported moving the bill forward, he was concerned the language could be broad enough to cover peaceful demonstrations, such as teachers rallying at the Capitol, and said he would need more time before deciding how to vote on the floor. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably with the expression that it should pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• there hammering this out. could have allowed a judge to hold a defense lawyer or a prosecutor in contempt
• If a defense lawyer or a prosecutor were to act in bad faith, you don't think contempt of court should
• My short answer is no, I don't think contempt of court should be an available remedy.
• I don't think contempt should be. Okay, tell me why.
• I think there has to be more than just that for a judge to find somebody in contempt, a defense lawyer

Bills: HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148

Keywords: criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt of court in
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt of court in

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, coaches, visitors from West Virginia universities, and representatives of Hunger Free West Virginia and Mountaineer Food Bank. The chamber also recognized Hunger Free West Virginia Day and heard remarks highlighting food insecurity efforts and a company working on pharmaceutical manufacturing and sickle-cell treatments. Senate Resolution 60 honoring Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, while Senate Resolution 61 urging reversal of Obergefell was held over and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces and Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, with both made effective from passage. The body also passed Senate Bill 844, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both with immediate effectiveness. In addition, the Senate advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on first or second reading, including measures on government organization, judiciary, transportation, workforce, and health-related topics. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills covering a wide range of policy areas. These included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expanded sex-offender registration for certain offenses; child welfare clothing allowances; school personnel misconduct reporting; age verification for online sexual content; free Gold Star license plates for parents; sanitarian training and licensure changes; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; continuing education in nutrition for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud crimes; protections for athletic officials; school personnel reassignment rules; Homeland Security administrative updates; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; the VAPE Safety Act after a strike-and-insert amendment; parole supervision fee increases; partial service credit for disabled troopers; state property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly, often 34-0, with a few narrower votes such as the organ donor bill passing 30-4 and the school personnel movement bill passing 33-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• of one paragraph, paragraph 12, which creates a presumption of entitlement to attorney's fees in contempt
• And when you're dealing with contempt, that's already somebody that the court has found to have engaged

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 413, relating to attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs in family law cases. Representative Gottlieb explained that the bill and strike-all amendment were intended to promote fairness, create more uniformity across circuits, expand judicial discretion in awarding fees, and strengthen enforcement language. Members discussed how the amendment’s reference to good-faith settlement offers would apply only after trial in fee determinations, not during the trial itself. Jamie Epstein of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section supported the measure overall, saying it would improve consistency and deter bad-faith litigation, but noted concern about one paragraph creating a presumption of entitlement to fees in contempt actions. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then passed HB 413 favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. Chair Koster said the bill would provide needed clarification in family law practice and help parties litigate more professionally and amicably. After the vote, the committee heard a presentation from Florida Bar President Sayah Baker Barnes on the Florida Bar’s role and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Baker Barnes described the Florida Bar as an arm of the Florida Supreme Court responsible for regulating lawyers, protecting the public, handling discipline, reimbursing some victims of lawyer theft through the client security fund, and providing continuing legal education. She said AI use among lawyers has grown rapidly and that the Bar has created committees, guidance, and an ethics opinion to help lawyers use AI responsibly. She emphasized that lawyers remain responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated citations and work product, noted that Florida courts have already disciplined lawyers and a pro se litigant for fake AI-generated citations, and discussed confidentiality, privilege, and deepfake concerns. Members asked about protecting client information and finding best-practice resources, and she directed them to the Bar’s LegalFuel site and AI guidance materials. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, are we in contempt as a state for actually coming into a session that... ...for actually coming
• But there will be consequence to that because, in my estimation and many others, we are in contempt because
• Does this legislature have contempt for the federal judiciary?
• this same bill in 2023, and just voted for it again, posted the following to show the legislators' contempt
• Legislator's contempt for federal courts in response to the Cala ruling.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we feel it’s our job, so what this does is it creates a statute regarding contempt of the General
• <00:31:31.679> of<00:31:31.919> the<00:31:32.080> general regarding contempt
• <00:31:38.000> of<00:31:38.240> Congress on the federal contempt of Congress on the
• federal contempt of Congress statute<00:31:39.360> which<00:31:39.600> is<00:31:39.760
• So if this were in place, the civil contempt would be to the commissioner or to whoever in the agency

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt of court and
• House Bill 4893 raises the penalties for contempt of magistrate court.
• The strike-and-insert raises the maximum fine that a court can levy for contempt of court without a jury

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with prayer and the pledge, approved the journal, and welcomed numerous guests, honorary pages, school groups, and visitors. It also received committee reports and introduced several resolutions and petitions. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was taken up immediately, debated in support of athletic trainers’ role in preventing injuries, and adopted. Other resolutions, including SR 63 and SR 64, were laid over, and several study resolutions were referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber then moved through a large number of House bills on third reading, with most passing by wide margins. Measures included the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites funding, increased fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure changes, work-zone penalties, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement status, the Right to Try Act expansion, quick claim deed tax updates, an ibogaine trial grant program, enhanced penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide and related repeat offenses, 529 plan definition updates, extension of opportunity zones, a barber apprentice program, municipal hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, civil remedies for unauthorized intimate image disclosure, online estate-executor training, higher contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS education, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, expanded capitation rate reviews, CVB board appointments, peer support services, the Interstate Cosmetology Licensure Compact, natural resource police retirement changes, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program extension, oil and gas well plugging changes with carbon-capture protections, DUI technical revisions, abuse intervention program changes, youth summer employment grants, telematics for fleet management, and municipal charter election compliance procedures. Several bills drew brief debate or questions, including the work-zone penalty bill, where one senator argued the measure increased fines without ensuring removal of outdated work-zone signs, while supporters emphasized worker safety. The Load Forecast Accountability Act also prompted discussion about incorporating coal-related provisions from another bill and concerns about prior House rejection of similar language. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, often 34-0, though a few had dissenting votes, including the Collaboratory bill (28-6), the Business Ready Sites bill (33-1), the Load Forecast Accountability Act (26-8), the Neighborhood Investment Program extension (33-1), and DNR fee indexing (29-5). Several bills also received title amendments, and one bill, HB 5162 on sales of tax liens, was referred to the Rules Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• under consideration Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt
• under consideration engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4893 increased the penalties for contempt
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4893, increasing the penalties for contempt of court in

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was consistently surprised by the agency leadership's either ignorance or contempt for the basic
• 01.200> or agency leadership's either ignorance or agency leadership's either ignorance or contempt
• 01.840> the<00:30:02.080> basic<00:30:02.320> principles<00:30:02.720> of contempt
• for the basic principles of contempt for the basic principles of contracting<00:30:03.440> law

Bills: HB1577, HB1870

Keywords: Smart911, 911, 911 Board, emergency response, public safety answering point, PSAP, next-generation 911, NG911, dispatch, dispatcher, emergency profile, safety profile, medical information, disability access, access needs, functional needs, kupuna, aging, developmental disabilities, communication access

Summary: The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle. The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided. The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• assessments, fees, and restitution by replacing processes in which the court may hold a defendant in contempt
• because there's a process that will now be taken away if a defendant potentially faces the threat of a contempt
• order or potential for jail time as a result of... ...the threat of a contempt order or potential for
• loss based on what was originally ordered, they have a right to file under 13-810 a petition for a contempt

Bills: HB2109, HB2168, HB2198, HB2226, HB2415, HB2440, HB2665, HB2805, HB2811, HB2825, HB2857, HB2874, HB2966, HB4067, HB4117, HCR2001, HCR2016, HCR2051

Keywords: distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and announced several bills would be held at the sponsors’ request, including HB 4117, HCR 2016, HCR 2051, and HB 2415. It then took up HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly interfering with a lawful arrest and make that conduct a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney representative, argued the bill closes a loophole and protects officers from third-party interference during arrests, while opponents from criminal justice and civil liberties groups said existing laws already cover the conduct and warned the bill could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The committee debated whether the bill duplicated resisting arrest and hindering prosecution statutes, then passed HB 2811 on a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next heard HB 2665, which would create a manslaughter offense for an adult who intentionally gives advice or encouragement through a directed communication to a minor to die by suicide, including via social media or text. Representative Carter and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to online encouragement and a way to hold people accountable when minors are clearly urged toward suicide. The committee then passed HB 2665 unanimously, 6-0 with one not voting. It also approved HB 2857, allowing the Department of Corrections to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, by a 5-1 vote. The committee then passed HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans to services and possible treatment court referrals; an amendment shifted the service-notice duty from prosecutors to the court. Supporters said the bill helps identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and can reduce recidivism, and it passed 6-0. HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance action in superior court, drew sharp disagreement over the AG’s use of nuisance litigation against businesses such as dairies, industrial plants, and rail projects; supporters framed it as local control and opposition to overreach, while opponents said it would weaken accountability and protect corporate interests. The committee passed HB 2168 on a 3-2 vote with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters argued it would keep serious child offenders on supervision and protect victims, while opponents, including survivors and defense advocates, said DCAC is a sentencing enhancement rather than a standalone offense, that the bill removes judicial discretion, may raise ex post facto concerns, and could sweep in lower-level online conduct. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee then began hearing HCR 2001, a voter referral to end early voting the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and restrict mail ballot procedures; the sponsor said it would improve election integrity and speed results, while opponents argued it would burden voters and reduce access. The transcript cuts off during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, I just want to ask, so you are saying that what the court found in June of 2021 in their contempt
• I believe the order of contempt was because MDE was not making a decision whether to approve applications
• The contempt judgment had nothing to do with their decision to stop payments.
• I think that's a great idea, but I do want to just make sure we're accurate on what the contempt was
• What I knew then is that a court had found the client in contempt.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill addresses criminal contempt by the court.
• If a judge is angry at you or you haven't done something and holds you in contempt of court.
• For example, let's say you could be held in contempt of court for maybe disobeying an order, but you
• could also be held in contempt of court simply because the judge was mad or had a bad day.
• Being disrespectful or catching a judge on the wrong day may lead to a finding of criminal contempt.

Bills: HB200, HB541, HB1803, HB30, HB175, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB897, HB 1128, HB1904, HB1916, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB3913, HB2921, HB2695, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB3673, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB4373, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4984, HB4944, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB4853, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4670, HB4730, HB4743, HB4603, HB4463, HB3892, HB4139, HB4752, HB4520, HB4517, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2284, HB2266, HB2229, HB4912, HB2189, HB4506, HB5269, HB5224, HB5195, HB3317, HB4166, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB4438, HB3745, HB3602, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HCR7, SB1744, SB1364, SB1316, HB2026, HB3302, HB3368, HB1639, HB5652, HB4655, HB5654, HB5658, HB5656, HB4894, HB4996, HB5088, HB5650, HB4464, HB3751, HB5665, HB5661, HB 1237, HB2802, HB5437, HB2703, HB5666, HB5667, HCR113, HCR86, SB2196, SB463, SB856, SB1245, SB1169, SB509, SB985, SB305, SB552, HB1535, HB 123, HB1804, HB426, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB3556, HB2448, HB4638, HB 111, HB180, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2071, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB1813, HB3719, HB4284, HB3743, HB3778, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB2849, HB2967, HB3531, HB1768, HB333, HB2914, HB2613, HB3717, HB3704, HB2697, HB3801, HB3099, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HB200, HB541, HB1803, HB30, HB175, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB897, HB 1128, HB1904, HB1916, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB3913, HB2921, HB2695, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB3673, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB4373, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4984, HB4944, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB4853, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4670, HB4730, HB4743, HB4603, HB4463, HB3892, HB4139, HB4752, HB4520, HB4517, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2284, HB2266, HB2229, HB4912, HB2189, HB4506, HB5269, HB5224, HB5195, HB3317, HB4166, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB4438, HB3745, HB3602, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126, HCR7

Keywords: juvenile offenders, parole eligibility, youth justice, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, dentist, dental hygienist, interstate practice, licensure, compact privilege, public health, military members, disaster relief, tax rates, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I, you know, I much prefer that we use that process and the contempt of court process rather,
• who ordered the child custody, and the judge can change the custody arrangement, can find them in contempt
• Be it a contempt of court with a penalty associated with that, I just, I've had my say.
• Uh there's the judge contempt of court.
• of court with a uh a um be it a contempt of court with a uh a penalty<00:24:05.600> associated

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They've already given very clear indication they will not appear in court by way of that contempt arrest
• conduct, theft in the fourth degree, criminal property damage, trespass, second indecent exposure, and contempt

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes. The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses. HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it would be a contempt of court for not following the judge's order.
• would<02:50:52.319> be<02:50:52.560> a<02:50:53.439> um<02:50:54.240> contempt
• Um, it would be a um contempt of crime.
• Um, it would be a um contempt of court<02:50:55.359> for<02:50:55.760> not<02:50:56.080

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• administration, and I think we're going to have to press for it. our way through that, because slow-mo contempt
• of court orders is still contempt of court orders, and I really think we need to get to the bottom of

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, if the person violates that injunction, then we have indirect criminal contempt as a possible remedy
• Also, if the person violates that injunction, then we have indirect criminal contempt as a possible remedy

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

Transcript Highlights:

• to comply with an order of AOT is not grounds for involuntary civil commitment, for a finding of contempt
• failure to comply with an order of AOT is not grounds for. involuntary civil commitment, or finding of contempt

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a particular statutory provision for mediation in issues where there is a contempt that has
• been filed, a request for a contempt finding that has been filed.
• There is a particular statutory provision for mediation in issues where there is a contempt that has
• been filed, a request for a contempt finding that has been filed.
• been filed, a request for a contempt finding that has been filed.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to continue its review of recommendations for New Hampshire’s family court, with the chair emphasizing a collaborative approach and noting that the group would focus on the origins of the family division, recurring problems identified in earlier reports, and comparisons with other states. Members discussed organizing testimony into three broad topics: the court hearing process and pro se litigant preparation, mediation/arbitration/counseling, and the interaction of domestic violence issues with family court and related criminal proceedings. The chair also noted that the subcommittee would not meet again for two weeks and encouraged members to review materials from Judge Michael Mace and NCSL research on other states’ family court systems. Attorney Heather Culp, senior administrator for the judicial branch’s circuit court, testified about New Hampshire’s ADR programs. She explained that the Office of Mediation and Arbitration, created by statute in 2007, oversees more than 12 statewide ADR programs across the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts, including family division programs such as divorce-parenting mediation, neutral case evaluation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and voluntary adoption mediation. She said the divorce-parenting mediation program is the largest family division ADR program, with about 3,400 mediation sessions in 2023 out of roughly 6,700 cases, and that most cases involving minor children are referred to mediation soon after the first appearance session. Culp described the family division process as beginning with a first appearance session led by a case manager, who provides information, helps with paperwork, and schedules mediation, usually within 30 to 45 days. She said mediation is strongly encouraged in parenting and divorce cases, but there is no requirement to reach agreement, and parties may settle some issues while leaving others for court. She also explained that mediation is prohibited or limited in certain domestic violence cases: cases with active civil protection orders may proceed only with both parties’ consent and possible safeguards, while cases involving criminal protective orders are not sent to mediation. Mediators in court-referred family cases are contracted with the court and must be certified by the executive branch’s mediator certification board; mediators do not communicate with judges, except through a brief ADR report noting whether the case settled or what the next procedural step is. Members asked about referrals, timing, and the meaning of “neutrals,” and Culp said the court uses in-house contracted neutrals for family division ADR and does not refer divorce-parenting cases to outside providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aggravated family offense, criminal contempt in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a minor.
• Criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing.
• MOND ESPY NO SO, SEXUAL CONDUCT AGAINST A CHILD FIRST AGREEMENT AGGRAVATE FAMILY OFFENSE, CRIMINAL CONTEMPT
• CRIMINAL CONTEMPT SECOND DEGREE, CRIMINAL OBSTRUCTION OF BREATHING. MARIO LINSUELA, 12 ARREST.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.