Video & Transcript Research : 'adjudication'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- proposals also support the Department of Defense’s efforts in removing barriers to the proper adjudication
- proposals also support the Department of Defense’s efforts in removing barriers to the proper adjudication
- Without concurrent jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is adjudicated in the federal court system, which
- When concurrent jurisdiction is established, offenses may be adjudicated through the state juvenile court
- When concurrent jurisdiction is established, offenses may be adjudicated through the state juvenile court
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its first public hearing of the 2025–2026 session, with House Chair Rep. Joe McGonagle outlining the committee’s focus on veterans’ benefits, military families, and related policy priorities. He noted the committee’s recent record of advancing major veterans legislation, described the hearing as hybrid, and explained that testimony would be limited to three minutes. The committee then heard testimony on several bills, including H. 3886/S. 2503, H. 3863/S. 2480, and H. 3859, among others.
Melissa Willett of the Department of Defense and Rep. John Stanley testified in support of H. 3886/S. 2503, which would expand support for military families by improving school open enrollment flexibility, special education continuity, concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile matters on military installations, and coordination around military protective orders. Committee members questioned the juvenile jurisdiction and protective-order provisions, with concerns raised about federal versus state authority and due process; witnesses said the jurisdiction change would be case-by-case and that military protective orders are commander-issued decisions that could be used as evidence in civilian proceedings. The Department of Defense said the proposal aligns with priorities from military stakeholders and other New England states.
Jim Keene testified in support of H. 3863/S. 2480, seeking a cost-of-living adjustment for veterans’ benefits and extending certain benefits to Guard and Reserve members killed on active duty. Allie DeBateau of the Massachusetts Municipal Association testified on H. 3859, which would streamline veterans benefits administration by having the state pay benefits directly rather than reimbursing municipalities quarterly; she said this would reduce local administrative burden while leaving local veterans service officers’ roles unchanged. Committee members asked about municipal support and the fiscal impact, and the hearing concluded with no votes taken, followed by adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/18/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:18:16.319>
hearings of administrative adjudicative hearings of administrative adjudicative - These cases were<03:25:51.040>
adjudicated <03:25:51.600>in <03:25:51.760>the <03 - and early were adjudicated in the 80s and early 90s<03:25:53.439>
and <03:25:53.680>in - conduct of administrative adjudicative conduct of administrative adjudicative hearings.<03:31:37.520
- adjudicative hearings. adjudicative hearings. um<03:45:05.920>
if <03:45:06.160>they
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on Senate Bill 401, which DHHS described as a cleanup bill. Testimony from the department explained that the bill would repeal obsolete reporting requirements tied to a repealed municipal reimbursement program and to the now-repealed commission on demographic trends. No one testified in opposition, and the committee voted 12-0 ought to pass, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 402, which would eliminate certain non-compete agreements for physician associates going forward. Senator Gray introduced the bill, and a representative of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates said it would improve workforce recruitment and access to care without changing scope of practice or affecting existing agreements. Committee members asked about the length of current restrictions and whether the change would make New Hampshire more attractive to PAs. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and sent the bill to the consent calendar.
Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 426, which would repeal the permissible fireworks committee. Senator Uler and the deputy state fire marshal said the committee’s original purpose had been overtaken by later changes adopting federal fireworks standards, and that the fire marshal now has the necessary authority. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 469, a DMV modernization bill allowing electronic signatures in place of wet signatures for certain motor vehicle title and registration processes. Senator Lang, Carvana, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, Copart, and DMV staff all supported the measure, saying it would reduce delays, errors, and paperwork burdens. Members asked about AI, consumer protections, costs, and how electronic signatures would work in practice, including in cases involving deceased owners. The transcript cuts off during that hearing before any committee action on SB 469.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 04/04/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Is I isn't the adjudicator the one making the ultimate decision here?
- <01:19:08.159>
They're adjudicate matters like this. - They're adjudicate matters like this.
- >
plagiarism <01:19:10.840>and set up to adjudicate plagiarism and set up to adjudicate - <01:20:31.120>
doing the discussion of the adjudicator doing the discussion of the adjudicator
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (01/15/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- , this bill amends RSA 169-B, section 1I, which is the statute pertaining to detention pending adjudication
- it does talk about very specifically that a minor may be committed after disposition, after the adjudication
- During the interim of that period of time, the adjudication itself was put on hold.
- <00:19:02.799>
itself period of time, the adjudication itself period of time, the adjudication - all of them, but the adjudication all of them, but the adjudication hearing<00:35:50.480>
must
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 P.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- Apparently, we're not getting convictions and adjudications over to the CPS registry.
- And this would include some youth court style adjudications because ultimately you need to be on that
- So, um, it's a criminal conviction or adjudication, and we're even having problems with it at the circuit
- <00:31:23.200>
because <00:31:24.240>ultimately style adjudications because ultimately - <00:31:38.720>
and criminal conviction or adjudication and criminal conviction or adjudication
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. Early discussion focused on immigration-related concerns and the costs of enforcement, with one senator pressing for data to support claims about crimes by undocumented immigrants and another citing specific cases and DPS removals of drivers with falsified CDLs. The committee also heard a bill requiring the sex marker on a driver’s license to match sex at birth; the sponsor said it was the same measure passed by the committee the prior year, and it received a title sufficient/do pass recommendation.
Several bills addressed corrections and court procedures. One bill clarified that people in intervention court are subject to the sentencing judge’s sanctions and are not entitled to a separate technical-violation hearing like probationers or parolees; the sponsor said it would reduce, not increase, leniency, and the committee passed it. Another bill extended the statute of limitations for felonious assistance program fraud from five to ten years, citing the TANF fraud case and the need for more time to detect abuse in executive agency programs; it also passed. The committee then approved a bill allowing judges, after a hearing and specific findings, to order firearms removed in domestic violence cases and protective-order proceedings when the weapons pose a credible threat.
The committee also advanced a bill increasing penalties for witness tampering, with the sponsor saying prosecutors wanted a stronger tool because defendants were sometimes willing to accept the current five-year penalty rather than face the underlying offense. Members discussed whether the bill covered intimidation versus tampering and whether the penalty should be tied to the underlying crime; a motion to reconsider/adjust the bill was adopted, and the bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation. Another measure increased fines for handheld mobile device violations while driving, especially in school and work zones, and members discussed whether the bill should be stronger and how any collected fines would be used; it passed. Finally, the committee approved a bill requiring reporting of certain convictions and adjudications to the Child Protective Services central registry, and ended by passing a bill increasing the fine for failing to use a screen on loads that can spill from vehicles and damage windshields, with members noting the fine had not been updated since 1974.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- those persons who receive a discharge and dismissal after successful completion of a deferred adjudication
- those persons who receive a discharge and dismissal after successful completion of a deferred adjudication
- those persons who receive a discharge and dismissal after successful completion of a deferred adjudication
- Deferred adjudication probation.
- Deferred adjudication.
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- convinced that if we pass these rules that it will be unfair for them going forward in any cases adjudicated
- If it's a legal industry, they have a right to feel like they'll be honestly heard and adjudicated in
- one might feel about an industry, if it's legal and legitimate, it has the right to be heard and adjudicated
- It has the right to be heard and adjudicated in a fair manner that's reflective of the intent of the
- And I mean, I think what we all want and what we expect is that the agencies would adjudicate.
Bills:
SJR50, SJR51, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1094, HJR1095, SJR49
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- terms of an adult jail, you are there waiting for your adjudication.
- They have to look outside of their county because they don't have a post-adjudication facility.
- terms of an adult jail, you are there waiting for your adjudication.
- They have to look outside of their county because they don't have a post-adjudication facility.
- So that person has been adjudicated and acquitted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the issue is that those who are placed on deferred adjudication, let me back up real quick.
- Uh, the issue is, is that those who were placed on deferred adjudication for the same offense under the
- In other words, Texas law currently treat, treats those who received deferred adjudication for unlawfully
- So we're just basically, uh, treating those on deferred adjudication the same way that we already treat
- In a deferred adjudication, there literally is no finding of guilt ma'am, as long as you do what you're
Keywords:
HB 207, Texas Government Code, Section 411.201, license to carry, LTC, handgun license, concealed carry, federal judge, immigration judge, immigration court, U.S. immigration court, judicial security, firearm carry permit, Texas handgun license, federal judiciary, HB235, Texas, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, disabled veteran
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (3-13-25) - Upon Recess
Transcript Highlights:
- It says records of law enforcement agency or agencies involved in administrative adjudication.
- So basically, I don't know if enforcement action means like a full adjudication or not, or if it just
- So basically, I don't know if enforcement action means like a full adjudication or not, or if it just
- <00:17:57.320>
or action means like a full adjudication or action means like a full adjudication - But with the Wood standard, rather than having that adjudication, you're having to do every one of those
Keywords:
This meeting will take place upon Recess 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 12:30PM est.
Meeting Start: 00:03
Attendance Roll Call: 00:12
HB 321 (Rep. Johnson): 00:49
HB 340 (Rep. Hampton): 05:10
HB 520 (Rep. Fugate): 08:55
Adjournment: 32:26, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government considered three bills. House Bill 321, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson and supported by the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Realtor Association, was amended by committee substitute and adopted unanimously. As amended, it extends training deadlines for planning commission and board of adjustment members and adds required training on how planning and zoning policies affect housing supply and accessibility. The committee substitute also limits appeals of final board of adjustment actions to persons or entities claiming injury who own real estate in the same zone as the affected property. The bill passed 8-0, and a title amendment was adopted.
House Bill 340, sponsored by Rep. Tony Hampton with support from law enforcement and federal security representatives, would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 to require criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records for federal suitability or fitness background checks and allow a $25 fee for records requests reimbursed by the federal government. It also conforms juvenile records law to the new process. The committee approved the bill 9-0 with no opposition.
House Bill 520, sponsored by Rep. Chris Fugate and backed by the Kentucky Sheriff's Association, Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, and Kentucky League of Cities, generated the most debate. The bill and committee substitute would exempt certain open police investigation records from disclosure under the Open Records Act when an agency says release could harm an investigation or reveal informants or witnesses. Several senators raised concerns that the “could” standard was too broad and could weaken transparency, while supporters argued it was needed to protect ongoing investigations, witnesses, and officers. The committee initially failed the bill 6-4, then after additional vote changes and discussion, reconsidered it and advanced the amended bill with favorable expression 6-4 to the floor.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to note that Senate Bill 1832 only applies to fully adjudicated cases.
- For a misconduct case, this means a case adjudicated by TEA.
- Through our criminal justice system, there's been a conviction; therefore, it's been adjudicated.
- time of the alleged incident, thereby accepting liability for the employee's alleged errors if adjudicated
- Now, if I'm adjudicated liable for that accident, then in phase two, that history can be brought forward
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation, messages from the House, and several recognitions, including county day delegations from Fayette, LaSalle, Jim Hogg, Austin, and others, as well as a recognition of Rob Keppel for his career with the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. The chamber also adopted several resolutions, including SR 429 designating October 2025 as RET Syndrome Awareness Month and SR 432 honoring Rob Keppel. A doctor-of-the-day introduction and a public announcement about free skin checks were also made.
The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1152, creating the offense of continuous manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, passed after suspension of the rules. SB 1868, regulating kratom and related substances, was amended to prohibit smokeable kratom products and kratom pills and to clarify THC variants such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, then passed. SB 1349, creating offenses for transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law, drew debate over a failed amendment that would have added election misinformation and foreign meddling; the bill ultimately passed unanimously. SB 2037, expediting review of LNG environmental permits, passed after amendments clarifying fees and deadlines, with opposition focused on its energy-policy implications. SB 1164, addressing emergency detention and court-ordered inpatient mental health treatment, passed after a drafting-error correction and discussion of the bill’s basis in recommendations from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.
The Senate also advanced SB 2743 on prosecution of certain election offenses, which would allow a court process to disqualify a local prosecutor who repeatedly refuses to prosecute election cases and appoint the Attorney General; it passed to engrossment amid questions about evidence and local discretion. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit members, supporters, volunteers, and donors from disclosure by public agencies, passed unanimously. SB 2349, exempting certain short-term leases and temporary tenancies from floodplain notice requirements, passed unanimously. SB 2788, adding PSAT and pre-ACT scores for Texas Success Initiative exemptions and clarifying dual-credit eligibility, passed unanimously after amendment. SB 843, creating a TEA database of school district bonds, taxes, and bond-related projects and adding charter schools, passed after amendments on funding and scope.
Finally, SB 1832, allowing parents to transfer a student who was victimized by a public school employee to another campus, passed to engrossment after extended debate over whether the bill should also cover private schools and how it would interact with school choice and ESA policy. SB 39, revising the admission rule in commercial motor vehicle collision cases, was laid out and debated over its effect on negligent entrustment and related evidence, with the author emphasizing that the bill preserves the bifurcated trial structure and does not alter other admissibility rules.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- I've seen the adjudication where the... I've been to Sharia court.
- It's only the adjudication of a wrong or a crime under a law. Not addressed in this bill.
- It's only the adjudication of a wrong or a crime under the Quran.
- They settle it friendly or they make some kind of deal, and that case is adjudicated, even for simple
- That case is adjudicated under the Koran, not the Constitution. Thank you.
Keywords:
foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law statute to expressly include Sharia law and certain foreign religious or cultural laws or customs that condone practices such as honor killings or other conduct violating criminal law. The sponsor said the bill was meant to strengthen enforcement against foreign, private, or religious adjudications that violate constitutional rights, while opponents, including the ACLU, argued it was unconstitutional, singled out Islam, and was part of a broader anti-Muslim effort. After extended debate, the committee approved SB 1018 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1568, requiring election systems and software clocks to be set to accurate time and verified during logic and accuracy, compatibility, and security testing. Supporters said accurate timekeeping is important for chain of custody and election integrity; county representatives opposed the bill as impractical because some equipment is not connected to the internet, batteries can drain, and different time zones in Arizona complicate compliance. The bill passed 4-3.
Next, SB 1687 proposed moving primary elections to the Tuesday before Memorial Day, adjusting nomination paper filing windows, and changing the date used to calculate required petition signatures. A Marquez amendment dealing with Clean Elections timing and funding was offered but defeated. The sponsor said the bill would reduce extreme heat burdens and improve participation; county officials were neutral but noted timing changes would require broader cleanup. The committee then approved SB 1687 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered SB 1825, which changes how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled by giving legislative district chairs or county chairs authority depending on the situation and requiring action within 30 days. Supporters said it would streamline a slow, opaque process and improve local control; opponents warned it could concentrate power and be abused. An amendment limiting the bill to counties over 500,000 people was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent.
Finally, the committee revisited SB 1037, which imposes security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet connectivity, user logins, chain-of-custody controls, and continuous video recording at counting centers. An amendment broadened the bill to cover election management systems and tightened the no-connectivity and no-port provisions. The sponsor and amendment proponent argued the bill was needed to prevent indirect internet access and strengthen election security. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 1037.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- to step three which is the adjudication to step three which is the adjudication process.<00:39:37.280
- <00:39:46.599>
process responsible for the adjudication process responsible for the adjudication - investigating and adjudicating the case. investigating and adjudicating the case.
- information to adjudicate? information to adjudicate?
- legislative intent to keep adjudication legislative intent to keep adjudication and<02:24:40.720
Summary:
The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655.
Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees.
Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's for post-adjudication facilities, not pre-adjudication facilities, which I think you've been focused
- I have, but we need to focus on the post-adjudication also.
- We should be looking at having another region if we need to expand that post-adjudication.
- If we need to expand that post-adjudication. This is for their operating costs, not for setting.
- There is a requirement; however, the adjudication hasn't fully completed yet.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (03/03/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So I believe that the PUC is adjudicative—is there more to it?
- I I believe that the PC is adjudicative I I believe that the PC is adjudicative is<00:22:56.520>
- Again, in that case, they would be adjudicating whether the fine should take place.
- that you're supposed to be adjudicating that you're supposed to be adjudicating based<00:42:43.599
- adjudication adjudication and<01:23:48.960>
trying <01:23:49.159>to <01:23:49.280>figure
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) May 21st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- But for anything less than that, they cannot be added to the registry until after an adjudication by
- To get to that civil court and get that adjudication in a civil court.
- Now they might get adjudicated in a district court if the reference is such that it goes criminal.
- Is there anything adjudicated through SOA?
- There are adjudication processes by the state that puts them into that interagency search.
Bills:
HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147
Keywords:
child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It seeks to remove material that's been challenged from the shelf while it is being adjudicated through
- And I do take your point very seriously when we talk about making sure that these types of adjudications
- Do I want the school committees to adjudicate these issues in a timely fashion? Absolutely.
- The recourse would be then to go to the courts and have them adjudicate there.
- we're saying if we don't like the decision that they've made to remove that book, then you can adjudicate
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students.
A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted.
The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jan 8th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- balances remaining in the bank account were not identified with receipts issued for cases not yet adjudicated
- remaining in the bank account and the bank were not identified with receipts issued for cases not yet adjudicated
- coming from and to review all the old cases in the criminal bonds pending to see how many have been adjudicated
- the bank balance remaining in the bank was not identified with receipt numbers for cases not yet adjudicated
- 44, and 21,000, respectively were not identified with receipt numbers issued for cases not yet adjudicated
Summary:
The committee first approved a motion by voice vote, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For the 2012 reports, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total to 17 with escrow funds released and 26 still escrowed. For the 2023 delinquent reports, two more had come in, leaving five outstanding; both reports were filed without objection.
The committee then focused on Act 709 repayment issues for the town of Daisy. Audit staff said Daisy had made unauthorized payments to a nonprofit and had used restricted street funds for fire-related expenses, and that the town had not yet adopted the required repayment ordinance. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the town had funds to pay. After discussion about the audit calculations and statutory repayment requirements, the committee adopted a motion requiring 10% repayment of the street fund under the statute and providing that failure to comply would result in withholding turnback funds. The Daisy report was then filed.
The committee reviewed numerous additional audit findings from cities, counties, and water departments. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including reconciliation work in Harrison and Carroll County, revenue-code corrections in Izard County, monthly bond-pending reviews in Alexander, fixed-asset documentation and receipt procedures in the town of 56, and bookkeeping/receipt improvements in Ozan and Lee County. Some matters were deferred, including several private water and sewer reports and Green Forest, while others were filed. Reports involving more serious issues were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, and others. The committee also filed 19 reports with resolved findings and 53 reports with no findings, and adjourned with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jan 8th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- balances remaining in the bank account were not identified with receipts issued for cases not yet adjudicated
- remaining in the bank account and the bank were not identified with receipts issued for cases not yet adjudicated
- coming from and to review all the old cases in the criminal bonds pending to see how many have been adjudicated
- The bank balance remaining in the bank was not identified with receipt numbers for cases not yet adjudicated
- cases. and 21,000, respectively, were not identified with receipt numbers, issued for cases not yet adjudicated
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 302 (06/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- just read it to you: The name and address of the owner shall not be publicized until the case is adjudicated
- until the owner shall not be publicized until the case<00:07:48.479>
is <00:07:48.639>adjudicated - <00:07:50.080>
Any <00:07:50.400>donations case is adjudicated. - Any donations case is adjudicated.
Summary:
The Committee of Conference opened on Senate Bill 302, originally focused on background checks for solid waste management facility owners. Members discussed House-added amendments, including language from House Bill 616 on animal cruelty and additional solid waste site evaluation committee provisions from House Bill 2.
The Senate chair said the Senate would not accept the HB 616 animal cruelty language in SB 302, though he indicated the issue could return next year in a standalone or amended bill. Representative Comtois explained a revised version of the animal-related language, including a provision that an owner’s name and address would not be publicized until a case is adjudicated and that donations raised using the stories or likeness of animals in protective custody would be limited to covering the animals’ care costs.
Despite that explanation, the Senate maintained its opposition. House members said their side would not concur unless the language remained in the bill, and the chair responded that the Senate would let the bill go rather than accept the amendment. The hearing was then closed without agreement or final action on the bill.