Bills: HB2431 , HB2583 , HB2278 , HB2584 , HB2610 , HB2615

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: HB 2431, Washington property tax, nonprofit exemption, public assembly hall, meeting place, fundraising activities, charitable organizations, property tax exemption, RCW, tax exemption, nonprofit hall, event venue, scheduled fundraising, limited use, rental of exempt property, loan of property, sunset clause, temporary tax law, Ways & Means, Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We all know this is a very, very innovative state.
• Higher education is the engine of the state, I will say.
• and one at Washington State University.
• aid awards to the awarding state agency.
• way that they do about everything else in the state.

Bills: SB6251 , SB6259 , SB6325 , SB5978 , SB6209 , SB6217 , SB6227 , SB6235

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but all this does is it allows Secretary of State to notify someone of a penalty by email unless
• is it allows Uh but all this does is it allows Secretary<00:02:42.959><c> of</c><00:02:43.040><c> State
• </c><00:02:44.160><c> notify</c><00:02:44.800><c> someone</c><00:02:45.200><c> of</c> Secretary of State
• Uh, but this bill very simply marries up the FCPA that we have here in the state of Alabama with the
• Thank you all. amendment elections in the state of amendment elections in the state of Alabama.

Bills: HB16 , HB214 , HB252 , HB16 , HB214 , HB252

Committee: House Ethics and Campaign Finance

Keywords: law enforcement, false information, criminal penalty, public safety, identification, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure, professional services, education, HB252, Class IV municipality, Class IV municipalities, municipal audit, audit rotation, certified public accountant, CPA, municipal accounting, Section 11-43B-9, county and municipal government

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Minnesota has, it's kind of like our state bank, and it can provide a lot of needed help
• </c><00:22:09.320><c> of</c> it's a tremendous program state of it's a tremendous program state of Minnesota
• </c><00:52:49.079><c> dollars</c><00:52:49.400><c> in</c> with State dollars in with State dollars in
• </c> repay that money owed back to the state repay that money owed back to the state so<01:02:30.760>
• </c> consumers money uh creation of the state consumers money uh creation of the state program<01:20:

Bills: HF770 , HF857 , HF38 , HF1500 , HF43

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF770, Rural Finance Authority, RFA, capital investment, state bonds, general obligation bonds, bonding bill, agricultural loans, farm loans, beginning farmer, new farmer, seller-sponsored loans, loan restructuring, agricultural improvement loans, livestock expansion, modernization loans, rural development, Minnesota agriculture, farm credit, chapter 41B

Transcript Highlights:

• Gracious Father, we thank you for the opportunity to serve and be a part of the legislature of this great state
• ...and all of us who have the responsibility of paying attention to the needs of the people of our state
• As you well know, they serve roughly 80% of our population across the state. Yes, sir.
• Population across the state. Yes, sir. Got a favorable report from Representative... A second?

Bills: HB30 , HB35 , HB72 , HB89 , HB30 , HB35

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• We support a state grants and aid and killaway recovery funds.
• on this program on state a uh parklands<00:53:03.200><c> in</c><00:53:03.359><c> Puna.
• </c><00:53:38.880><c> Food</c> multiple state priorities at once.
• Food multiple state priorities at once.
• Um, you defender of the state of Hawaii.

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> don't separation of church and state. don't separation of church and state.
• state the state then has a compelling state interest<02:10:34.159><c> and</c><02:10:34.400><c> can</
• I'll pick any other state.
• </c> my job in this state. Thank you. my job in this state. Thank you.
• with interfere with not interfere with interfere with another<03:35:35.600><c> state's</c><03:35:35.920

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• From throughout the state. Okay.
• You register with the state.
• As Louisiana State Police is charged with the tracking of sexual assault collection kits in our state
• Other states like Mississippi already do this.
• Other states like Mississippi already do this.

Bills: HR257 , HR258 , HR259 , HR260 , HR261 , HR262 , HR263 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , SB83 , SB143 , SB155 , SB228 , SB283 , SB295 , SB338 , SB388 , SB408 , SB431 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HB302 , HB597 , HB819 , HB1257 , HB1258 , SCR24 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB357 , SB406 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HR9 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB79 , HB251 , HB625 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , HB682 , HB766 , HB926 , HB998 , HB1051 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB603 , HB940 , HB1191 , SB47 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Hey, where do I get those little books that talk about the state of Alabama?

Bills: SB282 , SB282

Committee: House Fiscal Responsibility

Keywords: virtual currency, cryptocurrency, tax exemption, state tax law, digital assets, manufactured homes, certificate of title, Alabama Department of Revenue, law amendment, 1999 models

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> use of state dollars to fight fraud. use of state dollars to fight fraud.
• Every state has one, and they are in part funded by the federal government and by state governments.
• Every state has one, and they are in part funded by the federal government and by state governments.
• </c><01:04:52.000><c> So</c> behalf of the state of Minnesota. So behalf of the state of Minnesota.
• </c><01:42:05.840><c> That</c> from the state of Minnesota. That from the state of Minnesota.

Bills: HF3423 , HF2354 , HF3634

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, provider enrollment, medical assistance, legislation, state funds, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, service verification, Medicaid, human services, electronic documentation

Transcript Highlights:

• county in this state.
• And our state, of course, as it stands in all of the United States, because it seems... ...as it stands
• Pensacola State has almost 16,000 students.
• And that's certainly with Pensacola State being such an important workforce engine in the... ...state
• My niece is a freshman at Florida State.

Bills: S1570 , S1376

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• So SB 1376 is a bill seeking to address the shortage of genetic counselors in our state.
• would establish an education grant program to support students pursuing a career in genetics in the state
• I remember back when we didn't even license genetic counselors in the state of Florida.
• it's something that more people would take advantage of if we had enough genetic counselors in the state

Bills: S1376 , S1570

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of the United States is a third busiest land port of U.S.
• of Texas, but the United States.
• law or the state capital.
• Um, widespread across the state of Texas.
• To stop what is a pandemic going across the state of Texas.

Bills: HB2013 , HB4163 , HB4810

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: property owners associations, chickens, urban farming, land use, homeowner rights, agriculture, municipal regulation, governmental requirements, farm management, inspections, border control, trade, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the state legislature, we in the state legislature, are serious about the policies that we pass
• And if the state legislature, we in the state legislature, are serious about the policies that we pass
• Too many Texans are struggling to make ends meet, and that includes our state workers and our state retirees
• the Texas State Employees Union.
• For decades, our state employees and retirees have been the backbone of this state.

Keywords: Texas state employees, retirees, compensation, House Bill 343, House Bill 247, Senator Sarah Eckhardt, Representative John Busey, cost of living, workforce, legislative session

Summary: The committee meeting focused on critical issues facing Texas state employees and retirees, highlighting the need for increased compensation and improved benefits. Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Representative John Busey presented new legislation aimed at addressing these longstanding problems, including proposed House Bills 343 and 247, which seek a $10,000 across-the-board pay increase for state employees. Senator Eckhardt emphasized the growing wage gap between public sector jobs and private sector offerings, which has led to high turnover rates and the loss of institutional knowledge. Public testimonies underscored the urgency of the issue as retirees shared their struggles with stagnant pensions amidst rising living costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Official Journal of the Senate of the State of Louisiana.
• And treatment and correctional facilities across the state.
• respect to jurisdictional persons provided in state law.
• Other states around the South are doing it.
• Our state courts.

Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system.
• The amendment further states... ...to the mandatory requirements that are already in state code.
• It is our duty as leaders of this state to make sure we are doing our part in protecting...
• They will flee the state. They will hide out.
• [Bill: Engrossed House Bill 5692] Supplemental Appropriation, State Road Fund.

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted. Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state. being sold.
• Since we left the 88th session, 22 states, 22 states have enacted legislation, similar legislation, that
• Department of State.
• Every taxpayer has a state representative and a state senator to represent them in Austin. Austin.
• which provide for universal recognition of valid out-of-state... state licenses.

Bills: SCR5 , SCR13 , SB3 , SB6 , SB10 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB18 , SB19 , SB24 , SB35 , SB57 , SB65 , SB112 , SB284 , SB290 , SB388 , SB400 , SB402 , SB412 , SB495 , SB499 , SB502 , SB509 , SB621 , SB706 , SB740 , SB815 , SB842 , SB854 , SB875 , SB893 , SB917 , SB974 , SB1025 , SB1061 , SB1073 , SB1106 , SB1268 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1447 , SB1451 , SB1555 , SB1902 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SCR5 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR24 , SB495 , SB412 , SB10 , SB18 , SB565 , SB372 , SB842 , SB765 , SB62 , SB19 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB290 , SB13 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB917 , SB925 , SB388 , SB1902 , SB1121 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB35 , SB6 , SB815 , SB3 , SB1281 , SB1379 , SB1300 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB1451 , SB1061 , SB15 , SB65 , SB241 , SB304 , SB402 , SB499 , SB621 , SB974 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB1025 , SB1106 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB400 , SB609 , SB1447 , SB670 , SB502 , SB427 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB893 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB509 , SB985 , SB965 , SB17 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB12 , SB24 , SB57 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1268 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB840 , SJR57 , SCR8 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB610 , SB918 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB535 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB3 , SB6 , SB15 , SB35 , SB290 , SB706 , SB842 , SB917 , SB1281 , SB1451 , SB1902 , SB12 , SB13 , SB17 , SB19 , SB388 , SR261 , SR265 , SR276 , SR277 , SR281 , SR286 , SR293 , SCR5 , SCR13 , SB2425 , SB2880 , SB10 , SB12 , SB13 , SB17 , SB18 , SB19 , SB388 , SB412 , SB495 , SB2425 , SB2880

Keywords: SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming, education K-16, State Affairs, Texas Legislature, public school tribute, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, welcome legislators and guests to the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
• Our statewide constitutional officers who are here in attendance, from the California State Board of
• Each year, our courts resolve hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening our state
• It is now my privilege to introduce the President Pro Tem of the California State Senate, Ms.
• Thank you for accepting our invitations to visit our various courts across the state.

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, welcome legislators and guests to the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
• Our statewide constitutional officers who are here in attendance, from the California State Board of
• Each year, our courts resolve hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening our state
• It is now my privilege to introduce the President Pro Tem of the California State Senate, Ms.
• Thank you for accepting our invitations to visit our various courts across the state.

Summary: The Legislature recessed into a joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorted the California Supreme Court justices to the rostrum, and heard remarks from legislative leaders and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The speakers emphasized judicial independence, the rule of law, and the importance of the courts as a co-equal branch of government. The Chief Justice framed her address as a calm report on the judiciary’s work and major challenges, while thanking legislative and executive partners for collaboration. Chief Justice Guerrero highlighted several policy and operational issues facing the courts. She urged continued support for remote proceedings, noting more than 6 million remote hearings since 2022 and strong user satisfaction, and discussed the CARE Act’s statewide implementation, including petition and agreement numbers and the recent expansion to cover certain bipolar disorders. She also raised concerns about judicial security and privacy, threats and negative rhetoric toward judges, courthouse access issues tied to federal immigration enforcement, and the need for more judgeships and funding in high-need counties such as Riverside and San Bernardino. She also discussed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence admissibility, and reported corrective actions after the troubled February 2025 bar exam, including scoring adjustments, expanded provisional licensing, and a return to in-person testing. Additional points included proposed ongoing funding for trial courts, long-standing judicial salary disparities, and the Judicial Council’s 100th anniversary. No votes were taken; the joint convention concluded with the address ordered printed in the Journal and an invitation to a reception for members and guests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, welcome legislators and guests to the 2026 State of the Judiciary.
• Each year, our courts resolve hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening our state
• It is now my privilege to introduce the President Pro Tem of the California State Senate, Ms.
• courthouses. ...of federal officers in at least 17 of our state courthouses.
• Thank you for accepting our invitations to visit our various courts across the state.