Video & Transcript : 'special rule' :
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FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
House in Special Session D Apr 29th, 2026
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, your Rules and Ethics Committee here was submits the special order for Wednesday, April 29,
- Okay, maybe they're interested in another court ruling: the Black Voters Matter ruling, right?
- He talks about addressing court rulings. We just got He talks about addressing court rulings.
- Okay, maybe they're interested in another court ruling. The black voters matter ruling, right?
- But we played by rules. We had character. We had integrity. But we played by rules.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Mark Weissman and local officials Donna Lou Fiala and Eric C. Brecknitz, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members approved the journal and adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the calendar and debate times for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1D, establishing Florida’s congressional districts, as the main item on the special order calendar.
During questioning and debate on HB 1D, sponsors and opponents focused heavily on the map’s process and legality. Supporters argued the plan was based on a viable legal theory, used the 2020 census data as required, and was within the Legislature’s discretion to consider mid-cycle redistricting. Opponents repeatedly argued the map was drawn by the governor’s office using partisan data, without meaningful legislative or public input, and that it violated the Fair Districts Amendment by favoring a party, splitting more counties and municipalities, and reducing compactness. Several members also raised concerns about taxpayer costs, the absence of a new census or court order, and the Legislature’s role versus the governor’s office.
After structured debate, the House voted on final passage of HB 1D and passed it 83-28. A motion to recess for two hours to consider a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision failed. Following passage of the redistricting bill, the House adopted a motion to adjourn sine die, ending the session.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I thought I was special.
- Okay, I move the rules be waived, and all bills temporarily postponed on the special order calendar be
- I also move that the rules be waived and the following bill be placed on the special order calendar for
- Okay, I move the rules be waived in all bills temporarily postponed on the special order calendar, be
- I also move that the rules be waived and the following bill be placed on the special order calendar for
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, page introductions, and recognition of guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy basketball team and a student intern. The chamber then took up executive appointment reports from the Ethics and Elections Committee and related committees, which covered a large slate of gubernatorial appointees to state boards and commissions. Senators were given the opportunity to separate nominees for individual votes, and several members spoke in support of or opposition to specific appointees based on qualifications, ideology, and prior public service.
The first major confirmation vote covered most of the 186 appointments on the report, with debate centered on three nominees highlighted by Senator Polsky: Ilya Shapiro, Thomas Zachary Smith, and Dr. John Lattell. The report was adopted 31-0 after those objections, and Jeffrey Aaron was then considered separately for the Public Employee Relations Commission. Senators Smith and Polsky opposed Aaron’s confirmation, citing his role as legal counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and alleged involvement in the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds to political entities; Chair Gates defended Aaron as a lawyer representing a client and noted no disciplinary or law-enforcement action against him. Aaron was confirmed 26-10.
The Senate next confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after debate focused on her prior leadership at the Department of Children and Families, Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage issues, Hope Florida-related concerns, and a women’s shelter inspection dispute. Supporters emphasized her work stabilizing Medicaid funding and her responsiveness to agency problems, while opponents argued she had overseen serious failures and lacked suitability. The confirmation passed 32-5. Taylor Hatch was then confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families after committee members noted serious operational concerns at DCF, including SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, forensic audit issues, and questions about Hope Florida, but also cited her commitment to child welfare and willingness to address problems; the vote was 33-4.
After the confirmations, the Senate recessed and later returned for a lengthy tribute to outgoing Senate President Kathleen Pasadomo. Senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising her leadership, diligence, toughness in committee, mentorship, and resilience after personal loss, while also joking about her reputation as a strict rules chair and “bill killer.” The session concluded with the recognition of her service and presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- God has called each of you here for a special purpose in this session, but I want to recognize a new
- day rule, which is common practice in the fiscal session.
- I'd like to make a motion to suspend the rules to add SJR 13 to the calendar.
- We have to wait until 2:30 because the House didn't suspend the rules. So that's why that is.
- We have to wait until 2:30 because the House didn't suspend the rules. So that's why that is.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- President, pursuant to Senate Rule 7.12a, printing rule.
- Now the FDA, which has very lax rules, but even under the FDA's rules, they...
- , and Senate Bill 7 that's called special, House Bill 7 special, things changed a lot.
- So moved. 22 ayes and 5 nays, the rule is suspended.
- nurse who does not receive special treatment.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Aug 11th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They're very specialized.
- Special rules under the federal tax code, and that is what the Public Project Revolving Fund is.
- So, there are rules applying to disclosure.
- And then we have different special tax funds, law enforcement protection funds, and different special
- Those are the rules that we need to make some minor amendments to our PPRF rules, and you all are the
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-26 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are so happy to have her join us to celebrate in our special... ...to celebrate in our special Lori
- , and I also move the rules be waived and all bills temporarily postponed on the special order calendar
- be retained on the special order calendar.
- , and I also move the rules be waived and all bills temporarily postponed on the special order calendar
- be retained on the special order calendar.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes statewide rules.
- , it can mean that peer rules take over.
- of the Special Commission.
- Real quick, it's a home rule... ...to see you guys. Real quick, it's a home rule.
- Children can ride them without knowing road rules.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up.
Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently.
Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries.
Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The 2024 federal rule was a major step forward.
- The 2024 rule does just that.
- AB 2011 attempts to codify an unsettled federal rule.
- As a special education teacher, I've worked with a lot of students with special needs, including learning
- As a special education teacher, I've worked with a lot of students with special needs, including learning
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on workforce access, consumer protection, behavioral health parity, and public health safety. AB 1591 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would create a podiatric medicine pipeline program to address shortages of podiatrists, especially in rural and underserved counties; it drew strong support from podiatrists and medical groups and no opposition. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart would codify federal mental health and substance use disorder parity standards into state law; supporters argued it would preserve access if federal enforcement weakens, while health plans and insurers opposed it as premature and potentially confusing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and remained on call after a roll vote with several ayes and some noes.
The committee also considered AB 2311 by Assembly Member Chiavo, which would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians. Supporters said the change would help district hospitals recruit and retain doctors and stabilize care in underserved communities, while CMA and emergency physicians warned it could weaken the corporate practice of medicine protections and physician autonomy. Members raised concerns about guardrails, but the author said the bill would continue to be refined; it passed on a due pass motion to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2030 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would prohibit sales of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to minors, with supporters citing eating disorder risks and opponents objecting to scope, age-verification, and retail requirements. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee.
AB 1864 by Assembly Member Berman would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism and would authorize enforcement penalties for noncompliance. Supporters from Stanford, Encode, and the medical community said the measure would align California with federal best practices and address growing biosecurity risks, while life sciences representatives raised concerns about operational burdens and supply-chain impacts. Members discussed whether the bill should include an urgency clause and how to keep the standards current; it passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2457 by Assembly Member Connolly would standardize and speed up Medi-Cal managed care credentialing for physicians, and it passed to Appropriations with broad support. Finally, AB 2302, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would require infant formula manufacturers to test for toxic elements such as lead and arsenic and post results publicly; pediatric and disability advocates supported the measure as a transparency and infant safety bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Special education evaluation reports. Yeah, and we have two panels, one in person.
- People often talk about how complicated navigating special education is.
- education rules.
- education rules.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several House education bills. HB 1796 would allow school districts, under existing debt limits and with voter-approved capital levies, to issue non-voted bonds for certain new construction projects. The sponsor and school district witnesses said it would let districts front-fund projects, speed construction, and reduce inflation-related costs; a member of the public opposed it as bypassing voters. HB 2317 would exempt school-day ECEAP and Head Start programs located in public school or community/technical college buildings from child care licensing. The sponsor and providers said the current licensing process is duplicative, delays services, and creates barriers to expanding early learning; no opposition was heard.
The committee also heard HB 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections in state law, require OSPI planning and reporting, and reinforce district responsibilities for students experiencing homelessness. The sponsor gave personal testimony about experiencing homelessness as a student, and advocates said the bill would improve coordination and accountability at no added cost. For HB 2557, which requires school districts to give parents a copy of special education evaluation reports by the 35th school day and hold the eligibility meeting at least five school days later, the sponsor said it would give families time to review reports; school psychologists and OSPI supported the substitute version, while some advocates asked for shorter timelines and clearer waiver language.
After the hearings, the committee moved to executive session and advanced two bills: Substitute HB 2360, allowing schools to maintain and use stock albuterol under specified conditions, and Engrossed Substitute HB 2534, updating requirements for military families’ enrollment, records transfer, and related services. Both bills received due pass recommendations and were sent to Rules, with no recorded opposition in the executive session.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Education Freedom Savings Account Oversight Committee (06/15/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- The first one though, EFA audit and special education audit reports.
- at the cost of special education and We're looking at the cost of special education and the cost in
- So there's some logistical challenges with relative to special education uh, um, with relative to special
- They've been an administrative rule made...
- It's something that came out of rule.
Summary:
The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund.
A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform.
The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program.
Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have 49 home rule petitions and home rule petitions.
- This was voted by a majority of Akushnet's special town meeting.
- It was formed in 1973 by a home rule petition. Exactly.
- And special, and, you know, those are somewhat different.
- H. 3898, an act to amend the Town of Natick Home Rule Charter.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/31/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Especially or specially? It's a special assessment. Very special. Yeah.
- </c> specially to refer to the special specially to refer to the special assessment<00:16:44.000><c>
- </c> read as specially, not specifically. read as specially, not specifically.
- It's a special. It's called a >> specially. It's a special.
- </c> special assessment. very special. special assessment. very special.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Three - Monday, March 30
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of a very special guest.
- With you is a very special little guy.
- Further introductions of special guests. Gentleman from Camden. Introduction of special guests. Mr.
- But now, an introduction of special guest, Mr.
- So there was nothing in this circuit court ruling negative about This circuit court ruling negative about
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Energy Finance Bill Working Group 6/8/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the last two sets of columns here are the special session energy budget.
- So, and this is being run through the special revenue fund.
- So, and this is being run through the special revenue fund.
- We're showing a special revenue fund.
- </c> again that's run through the special again that's run through the special revenue<00:04:45.560><
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Bishop specializes in emergency room medicine here in Tallahassee. Dr.
- Rules Chair Passidomo, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Each agency will review 20% of all rules each year.
- Before I recognize the Rules Chair, are there any announcements?
- Rules Chair, Pasadema, you are recognized. Rules Chair Pasadema, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. The chamber welcomed cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, former Senate presidents and colleagues, and other guests. Senators also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Geraldine Thompson and former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the Senate dedicated its 2024-2026 handbook to Thompson in recognition of her work in education and civics.
The main action of the day was adoption of SCR 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session in the House chamber at 11 a.m. that day to receive a message from Governor Ron DeSantis. The resolution was adopted without objection, rules were waived, and it was immediately certified to the House. The Secretary was also directed to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to proceed with the 2025 regular session.
In a lengthy opening-day address, the President outlined the session’s priorities, emphasizing rural Florida, citrus and agriculture, government efficiency, IT and cybersecurity reform, administrative rule review, affordability, insurance and property tax relief, autism services, veterans’ support, mental health and child welfare legislation, Everglades restoration, public school administrative efficiency, and food insecurity. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were taken beyond the unanimous adoption of the concurrent resolution. The Senate then adjourned until March 12, 2025, or upon the call of the President.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Rules.
- And pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(c), the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules: file
- She was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on April 15th.
- Today, among us are the veterans of that special guerrilla...
- Our Senate rules require members of the Senate Committee on Rules to be elected by this body.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of gubernatorial appointments and floor items. The chamber confirmed Dina Eltawasi as Director of Caltrans, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, and Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and later confirmed William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved on roll call, with final confirmation votes recorded after calls were lifted.
Several measures were taken up on third reading. SCR 143, by Senator Umberg, honored Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans who served with U.S. forces during the secret war in Laos; Senator Archuleta also spoke in support, and the resolution passed unanimously. SR 96, by Senator Cortese, proclaimed April as National County Government Month and highlighted the role of counties and CSAC; it also passed unanimously. SB 1347 clarified that stock albuterol authorization applies to all public schools, including preschools; SB 977 required chain restaurants offering children’s meals to provide at least one healthier option meeting nutrition standards; SB 1234 required fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is already ordered; SCR 161 designated May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month; SR 101 updated the Senate Rules Committee membership by replacing Senator Jones with Senator Ochoa Bogh; and SB 1111 addressed liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. All of these measures were approved, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate also adopted SCR 128, by Senator Perez, declaring April 13–24, 2026, as High School Voter Education Weeks to encourage civic education and youth participation in elections. The consent calendar was then approved after Senator Cervantes removed SB 1381; the remaining consent items passed 35-0. Throughout the session, members introduced visiting groups, including Hmong and Laotian veterans, CSAC representatives, and students in the gallery. The day concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, after which the Senate announced its next floor session and recessed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Rules.
- And pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(c), the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules: file
- She was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on April 15th.
- Today, among us are the veterans of that special guerrilla...
- Our Senate rules require members of the Senate Committee on Rules to be elected by this body.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no special interests associated with this.
- So it's a special session.
- So that's my read on the rule. And, but. So that's my read on the rule. But is that right?
- For this special session.
- This was a very successful special session.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.
NJ
Transcript Highlights:
- Special shout-out to our own Tom Neff, our intrepid...
- A. 796 by Assembly Member Bailey requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules
- Resolved that pursuant to Rule 17-3, Substitution.
- Resolved that pursuant to Rule 17-3, Assembly Bill 2757...
- Resolved that pursuant to Rule 17-3, Assembly Bill 4085...
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> have such if they wish the special have such if they wish the special committee<00:07:49.240><c>
- </c> initial and what ongoing specialized initial and what ongoing specialized education<00:10:41.040
- We've changed our internal rules; we've changed the external rules that should not happen again.
- We've changed our internal rules; we've changed the external rules that should not happen again.
- <c> is</c> is why a special A specialized court is is why a special A specialized court is necessary<
Summary:
The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee.
The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes.
Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.