Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:56:45.400><c> for</c> offender status to be appropriate for offender status to be appropriate
• </c> from the Vermont Judiciary. from the Vermont Judiciary.
• </c> on Judiciary? on Judiciary?
• </c> Appropriations Committee. Appropriations Committee.
• Carrying an appropriation, the bill is referred to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to House

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal, the proceedings of January 21, 2006
• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Joint Resolution 102 and Senate Bills 1224 and
• Made during this session will be submitted forthwith, with the appropriate corresponding information
• Senate Bills 1226 and 1227 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• For the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. Mr. President, I ask the Senate go at ease.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The inaugural Judiciary Committee meeting for this term. My name is Michael Day.
• To my left is Judiciary Committee.
• To my left is the Judiciary Committee General Counsel, Alex O'Connell.
• But it would acknowledge and value their work appropriately.
• So members of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for the opportunity.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held its inaugural hearing of the session, led by Chair Michael Day and co-chair Senator Lydia Edwards, and reviewed a large slate of bills and constitutional amendments. The chair laid out hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, priority for in-person witnesses, and deadlines for reporting constitutional amendments and House bills. The committee heard testimony on 29 proposals, with many witnesses and advocates speaking in support of measures they said would clarify the law, improve access to justice, or address public safety and fairness concerns. Several bills drew extensive testimony. Supporters of H.1686/S.1254 urged creation of a commission to study intentional misrepresentation of service animals, citing disruptive and dangerous encounters with fake service dogs and the need to protect legitimate service-dog teams. H.1649/S.1168 on court transcriber fees received strong support from transcribers and CPCS, who said rates have been frozen at $3 per page since 1988 and should be raised to $4.50, with an automatic CPI adjustment; they also described the work as time-consuming and essential to the justice system. H.1768/S.1037 on indigency was backed by CPCS, which said the bill would update eligibility rules, reduce unnecessary six-month reassessments, and eliminate the $150 counsel fee for indigent adults. H.1723/S.1193 to remove the charitable immunity cap was supported by legislators and attorneys who argued the current $20,000/$100,000 caps leave seriously injured people undercompensated and make Massachusetts an outlier. The committee also heard testimony on S.1046 regarding adoptions, with multiple adoptive parents, attorneys, and agency representatives describing recent probate court interpretations that have disrupted out-of-state surrender and finalization practices. Witnesses said the bill would restore predictability and allow birth parents outside Massachusetts to use either their home-state law or Massachusetts law, while preserving ICPC safeguards. Senator Feingold testified on H.1748/S.1109, “Conrad’s Law,” to criminalize coercing someone into suicide, arguing Massachusetts should join most other states in creating a specific offense rather than relying on involuntary manslaughter charges. Representative Donahue supported H.66 to remove “so help me God” from the constitutional oath of office. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply heard testimony and thanked witnesses, with chairs indicating they would continue reviewing the bills and written submissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In response to this unprecedented attack on the federal judiciary, Chief Justice Roberts issued a rare
• response to disagreement concerning a judiciary.
• The danger posed by the Trump administration's attack on the judiciary is not abstract.
• First, yeah, let's condemn violence directed at the judiciary. I'm all for that.
• I agree that the department should take whatever appropriate action there is.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I know you've got the judiciary budget coming up.
• That's something that you can talk with the judiciary about.
• All right, members, next we will have the judiciary budget.
• In fiscal year 2026, the judiciary was appropriated $6 million out of the modernization and security
• It's very important for the functioning of the judiciary.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first reviewed the Department of Justice FY 2027 budget, which was presented at $117.8 million, with most funding coming from statutory dedications and the largest program areas being criminal law/Medicaid fraud and civil law. The Attorney General described major work in Troop NOLA, Medicaid fraud, opioid and PBM litigation, and especially child exploitation and online predator investigations. She said ICAC tips are rising sharply, local law enforcement partnerships have expanded, and her office needs more analysts, more permanent positions, and more expenditure authority for the legal support fund and related programs. Members asked about case backlogs, staffing, settlement funds, and whether more resources could be directed toward outreach, mental health, and technology; the Attorney General said she wants to expand cyber capacity, training, and prevention efforts, and that some settlement recoveries are being used to support existing programs and fraud enforcement. Committee members also focused heavily on child safety, truancy, and mental health. Several representatives described local concerns about online exploitation, trafficking, self-harm, and the need for school-based training and community outreach. The Attorney General said she wants a broader prevention strategy involving parents, schools, and behavioral health resources, and she discussed using outreach models such as anti-vaping campaigns and town halls. On opioid settlement oversight, members raised concerns about the size of the funds and the need for stronger state oversight; the Attorney General agreed more structure and compliance monitoring would be useful and said drug courts and treatment programs are effective investments. The committee then moved to the judicial branch budget presentation. The judiciary requested $229.6 million in FY 2027, plus $5.6 million in one-time funding, with most of the budget coming from state general fund. The presentation highlighted increases for judge salaries, staff pay adjustments, health insurance, operating costs, and 17 unfunded positions, along with one-time requests for security and technology upgrades. Chief Justice John Weimer and other justices said the budget would help core court functions and statewide programs such as CASA, drug courts, and FINS, and they emphasized the need for better staffing and technology in the courts. A major discussion centered on truancy and the FINS program. Justice Griffin said statewide collaboration with education officials had reduced truancy and that FINS officers are trained to identify children who may be runaways or trafficking victims. The justices and members supported expanding FINS so every judicial district has coverage, and they said the program helps keep children out of deeper system involvement. Members also asked about security funding, technology improvements, and the 17 unfunded positions, which were described as mostly clerical, IT, and support roles in appellate and district courts. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1451, appropriation behavioral health provider rates.
• SB 1455, appropriation State Route 24 extension.
• SCR 1026, general appropriation bill continuing appropriation.
• SB 1420, public nuisance pigeons — Judiciary and Elections.
• SB 1436, school districts bonds overrides — Judiciary and Elections.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recorded 30 members present and approved the prior journal without objection. Several members used personal privilege to welcome guests, including students from Aliento for an annual education day at the Capitol, a coalition of gun safety advocates, constituents visiting individual senators, and a guest shadowing Senator Gobildone. Senators also recognized a visitor from Tempe and a group from the area agencies on aging. The chamber then moved through second reading of a long list of bills and resolutions covering topics such as solar radiation management, veterinary telemedicine prescriptions, pharmacist prescribing standards, public records and digital media copies, health facility complaints, utilities and renewable energy, water and groundwater management, juvenile and criminal justice, school funding and records, insurance licensing, autonomous vehicle safety data, digital currency, county and municipal governance, behavioral health appropriations, and several election, tax, and constitutional measures. Standing committee reports on the calendar were not read and were entered into the journal. Before recess, Senator Ortiz spoke in support of student walkouts across the Valley protesting immigration enforcement, praising the students’ nonviolent activism and describing it as part of a broader civil rights tradition. After recess, the Senate took up first reading and committee referral of additional bills on public benefits eligibility, workforce reporting, tribal consultations, insurance settlements, missing kidnapped children reporting, small modular reactors, firearm safety instruction in schools, election petition cures, housing and HOA issues, public records fees, water quality testing, groundwater withdrawal fees, and cargo theft. The only recorded vote was on adjournment, which passed by voice vote, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will call our Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee meeting to order.
• It also does not include legislation for appropriation bills.
• The Idaho Legislature, via the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee, is required by statute to review
• They can only be let out of the jail by the judiciary.
• But I think it's very appropriate to increase this. It doesn't cover the cost.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriation Subcommittee 6 will meet in Room 409 at 10:30 a.m. today.
• Appropriation Subcommittee 6 will meet in Room 409 at 10:30 a.m. today.
• Appropriation Subcommittee 6 will meet in Room 409 at 10:30 a.m. today.
• Appropriation Subcommittee 6 will meet in Room 409 at 10:30 a.m. today.
• On Thursday, appropriation 216.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 28 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the joint calendar of the Health and Human Services and Judiciary 9 o'clock calendar, this
• The department very much appreciates the appropriation amounts.
• </c><00:08:19.919><c> respectfully</c> bill however Judiciary respectfully bill however Judiciary respectfully
• </c> Department then we could the Judiciary Department then we could the Judiciary could<00:15:31.639
• Relating to child welfare services, first up: Judiciary and support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health and Human Services and Judiciary meeting heard testimony on several measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 709 and SB 955. On SB 709, relating to mental health data and related appropriations, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent and said the funding would help maintain a data dashboard and positions, though it had no suggested amount for one blank appropriation. Members also discussed whether sections of the bill were duplicative of existing data reporting. The committees later recommended SB 709 be passed with amendments, including technical changes, deferring the date to December 31, 2050, and blanking out the appropriation for later clarification. SB 955, relating to fitness to proceed, drew mixed testimony. Judiciary opposed portions of the bill, saying some changes could have unintended practical consequences. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but urged keeping a three-member evaluation panel rather than reducing it to two, warning that a two-panel process could create delays if a third evaluator had to be added later. A former Hawaii State Hospital clinician said the bill placed too much blame on the courts and should address institutional and administrative problems at the hospital more directly. The Department of Health supported the intent and said it appreciated efforts to address overcrowding. After discussion about examiner shortages and status hearings, the committees recommended SB 955 be passed with amendments reducing the number of qualified examiners from three to one and making related technical changes. The committee also heard SB 1228, a child welfare services measure creating a working group related to youth legal representation and child welfare reform. DHS requested adding a Child Welfare Services representative to the work group, and multiple advocates, including the National Center for Youth Law and Hawaii Youth Services Network, testified in strong support, emphasizing the need for youth voice and implementation of Malama Ohana recommendations. Members asked whether this working group overlapped with another recently passed working group bill; testimony indicated the two measures addressed different issues. The meeting then recessed and later resumed for decision-making on the 9 o’clock calendar, where SB 709 was adopted with amendments and SB 955 was adopted with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's going to be appropriations.
• </c> appropriation amount. appropriation amount. technical<00:39:03.040><c> non-s</c><00:39:03.440><c
• </c> excuse me, Jennifer Owang, judiciary excuse me, Jennifer Owang, judiciary providing<00:41:45.200
• </c> &gt;&gt; not return for further appropriation. &gt;&gt; not return for further appropriation.
• We're going to pass this with blank<01:22:32.400><c> appropriation</c> blank appropriation blank appropriation

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can refer to the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
• Benefit plan coverage to certain persons in the state is referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Eligible for Interlocutory Appeal for the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
• HB5487 by Vaughan relates to the appropriate topic but lacks further details in the transcript.
• on Appropriations.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> exemplifies the best of the judiciary. exemplifies the best of the judiciary.
• He is professional even in judiciary.
• The judiciary has an clearly in writing.
• </c> the court and judiciary. the court and judiciary.
• </c> dispute resolution where appropriate dispute resolution where appropriate also<01:13:56.920><c>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an acknowledgment that workplace conduct must be appropriate.
• discussion of free speech, but I think this is appropriate, and at the appropriate time, I would move
• The motion is due pass to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's read the Appropriations Committee amendment. Mr.
• Let's read the Appropriations Committee amendment. Mr.
• Let's read the Appropriations Committee Amendment. Mr.
• President, the Committee on Appropriations and Technology, having good association, SB 1517, Appropriation
• House Bill 2352, Appropriation Auditor General.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 25 members present. The journal was approved, and several guests were introduced, including Pastor Caden Metcalf as Pastor of the Day and Dr. Jane Peterson as Doctor of the Day. The chamber also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1827, which passed on a division vote, and then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered and advanced several bills, generally by adopting committee strike-everything amendments and then recommending each bill do pass. Measures included SB 1041 (Arizona Trail Fund), SB 1131 (cardiac emergency response plans in schools), SB 1140 (expungement of misdemeanor records), SB 1249 (Alzheimer’s disease/state brain appropriation), SB 1275 (sentencing and imprisonment), SB 1517 (Barbering and Cosmetology Board), and SB 1673 (Crime Victim Notification Fund). SB 1275 drew the most debate: Senator Ortiz argued a floor amendment would gut judicial discretion and preserve prosecutorial power, while Senator Gowan said the amendment preserved a veterans diversion program; the amendment was adopted on a 15-13 division vote. The Committee of the Whole then reported the bills back to the Senate, which adopted the report. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on multiple bills. SB 1161, SB 1209, SB 1598, SB 1118, SB 1399, SB 1563, SB 1564, SB 1629, SB 1754, SB 1041, SB 1131, SB 1140, SB 1249, SB 1517, and SB 1673 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to more divided outcomes. Several members explained votes, especially on SB 1598 and SB 1754, which involved community garden funding and special education/parent complaint issues, respectively. The Senate then recessed, received a large batch of House bills for first reading and committee referral, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is basically the same appropriation biofuel assistance.
• appropriation Senate inspector grants appropriation Senate file<00:35:22.040><c> 2147</c><00:35:22.960
• </c><00:35:30.880><c> Senate</c> Institute grants appropriation Senate Institute grants appropriation
• </c> feeders Association grants appropriation feeders Association grants appropriation Senate<00:35:41.520
• </c> Wednesday uh and pass it to Judiciary Wednesday uh and pass it to Judiciary where<00:37:00.400><

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Judiciary and Elections. HB 2156, livestock compensation fund appropriation.
• This is an absolutely appropriate amendment.
• And it's appropriate.
• Judiciary and elections. HB 2014, fuel formulations modeling study appropriation.
• Judiciary and elections. HB 2207, appropriation, braille transcription program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Listen to the second on Judiciary.
• :26:32.560><c> is</c> So, [clears throat] Senate Judiciary is So, [clears throat] Senate Judiciary is
• Senate Appropriations reviewed H. 937 of miscellaneous judiciary procedures, and we specifically looked
• . appropriate. appropriate.
• </c> meet at 2:00 p.m. in Senate Judiciary. meet at 2:00 p.m. in Senate Judiciary.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, welcome legislators and guests to the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
• Under your leadership, California's judiciary, the largest in the nation, continues to serve more than
• We thank the Governor for his efforts in strengthening our judiciary.
• In strengthening our judiciary.
• The judiciary remains 250th celebration of our independence.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• And I remember well, as vice chair of Judiciary, I could always count on Daryl.
• It was really helpful to me in thinking through a lot of those issues that would come up in Judiciary
• It was really helpful to me in thinking through a lot of those issues that would come up in Judiciary
• But I just want to say, serving as vice chair of Judiciary for the last three years, it's been an honor

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think rather than chewing up supplemental money or other money to do it, this would be appropriate.
• But I just wanted to mention to you things that we would consider very appropriate, and the governor
• We have a state judiciary that's largely funded on the backs of the locals.
• I was asked one time, in presenting the budget, how many judges did the judiciary create?
• We have to appropriate and put dollars to the judiciary.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up the fiscal status statement, certification of the state surplus, and the five-year baseline budget. Officials from the Office of Planning and Budget and the Division of Administration said the January fiscal status statement had no changes, and the commissioner certified a surplus of $577,073,871. They also reviewed the baseline outlook, noting projected imbalances in later years driven by declining revenue, including the redirection of motor vehicle sales tax, and rising costs such as inflation and Medicaid-related expenses. The fiscal status statement was approved without objection. The governor’s executive budget was then presented as a third consecutive standstill budget, with administration officials emphasizing efficiency savings, no reduction in services, and no reduction in state workforce. They said the budget relies on prior savings efforts and incorporates agency-level cuts and reorganization, while also addressing higher costs in corrections, DCFS, and health care. Major items highlighted included funding for LA GATOR, the high-impact jobs program, DCFS modernization, corrections population and overtime needs, nursing home and managed care adjustments at LDH, and additional support for the MJ Foster Scholarship Program. Members asked about the impact of inflation, the use of federal versus state funds, the future of voucher and GATOR funding, and whether more support should go to DCFS and the Hero Fund. The committee also received the calculation of the FY27 expenditure limit, set at $20.1 billion, and the annual comprehensive financial report for FY2025, which received a clean audit opinion. Members approved a BA-7 increasing federal funds for an executive office transportation grant, approved additions to the Act 751 higher education deferred maintenance project list and a Baton Rouge Community College project combination, and approved contract amendments for CPRA with Coastal Estuary Services and Access Sciences. The committee also corrected a legislative intent item naming the New Orleans Recreational Development Foundation. Finally, the judiciary presented a weighted caseload study for district and appellate courts, explaining it as an updated tool to assess judicial workload and potential judgeship needs; members discussed its limits, the role of specialty courts and commissioners, and the need for further legislative-judicial collaboration before any changes are made.