Transcript Highlights:

• Second, additional monies for various judicial and legal resource needs, such as court reporting and
• And operational support to assist our judicial system partners.
• For those of you who have not had the experience of having someone that you know or love incarcerated
• For those of you who have not had the experience of having someone that you know or love incarcerated
• This session has been an incredible member-driven experience.

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR SOME BOATERS, THE FIRST EXPERIENCE THEY HAVE OPERATING A BOAT ON THE WATER IS THE STATE BOAT RENTAL
• FIRST, THE BILL CLARIFIES THE DUTY JUDGE REQUIREMENT ENACTED IN 1935 TO REFLECT THAT EACH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
• FINALLY, THE BILL CREATES AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR JUDICIAL AUTHENTICATION OF OATHS, AFFIDAVITS, AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what this bill does is it amends and updates the fee schedule for certain transcripts at the 19th Judicial
• I have Lauren Stelly with me from the 19th Judicial District Court to answer any questions that you may
• So hi, Lauren Stelly, Deputy Judicial Administrator at the 19JDC.
• because it sits at the seat of government, and so it does create a financial strain on the 19th Judicial
• This year, along with everybody else that's in the audience and enjoying the experience of the legislature

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on May 13, 2026, and reported several bills favorable. HB 27 was approved after testimony that it would delete a constitutional sentence requiring debt payments to be applied to the oldest outstanding amortization, giving retirement boards more flexibility to pay off the most advantageous debt. HB 143 was supported by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and local law enforcement representatives to raise the statutory per diem for housing state inmates in local facilities from $26.39 to match the current $29.39 rate already being paid in practice. HB 205 drew extensive testimony from clerks of court and election officials who said election commissioners have not had a pay increase in 19 years and are struggling to staff precincts, especially under the new closed party primary system; the bill would let local governing bodies enhance commissioner pay as a stopgap, and it was reported favorable despite concerns that it does not fully solve the staffing problem. The committee also approved HB 308, which would require state stadium and arena facilities to accept cash for smaller transactions or provide a kiosk to convert cash to a prepaid card without extra fee. HB 417 was reported favorable to increase the cap on the hazardous waste site cleanup fund from $6 million to $8 million and tie it to inflation; DEQ staff explained the fund helps pay for Superfund matches and cleanup of abandoned or bankrupt hazardous waste sites, and the increase would not affect the state general fund. HB 12, supported by the Louisiana Assessor Association, would provide 5% annual salary equalization increases for assessors through 2029, with local opt-in and no state general fund impact; members discussed the recurring pay parity issue with clerks of court and the possibility of a study resolution to address future adjustments more systematically, and the bill was reported favorable. Representative Kerner announced HB 311 would be deferred after concerns it could amount to a tax increase. HB 1129, supported by the Louisiana Auctioneers Association, was amended to clarify that the state’s movable-property auctions include internet auctions and to give Louisiana auctioneers preference to bid on those contracts; it was then reported favorable. HB 562, which would update transcript fees for the 19th Judicial District Court, prompted concerns about higher costs for litigants and due process implications, and the committee agreed to defer it to the next meeting for further discussion. The meeting ended with adjournment after brief recognition of visiting cattle industry representatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• With 60 years of medical experience. I'm here today to speak in opposition.
• were stunned to learn that Florida's wrongful death statue denies or family access to the Florida judicial
• First, the bill clarifies the duty judge requirement enacted in 19. 35 to reflect that each judicial
• circuit currently to reflect that each judicial circuit currently has more than one circuit judge and
• And finally, the bill creates an alternative option for judicial authentication of oats affidavits and

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is based on their years of experience.
• I wish I could say that my experience was an isolated one, but it is not.
• I agree that prevention is a better goal, but based on my academic experience and professional experience
• We take in consideration what their background is, who they are, their experience.
• My name is Marie Rassoul, and I am here on behalf of the Judicial Council.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we might have knowledge of a story from somebody about, you know, their personal experience with
• Yes, we might have knowledge of a story from somebody about, you know, their personal experience with
• legislative branch and the judicial legislative branch and the judicial branch. branch. branch.
• 56% of the people who called there were claiming violations of their civil liberties within our judicial
• And I don't know if this bill is the way to do it or not, but people don't trust our judicial system.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 518 and House Bill 652FN, both related to the family court system and child/family matters. HB 518 drew extended discussion about DCYF/DCYF’s role and whether the bill should be retained, amended, or studied further. Representative Love argued the agency is deeply troubled, citing abuse cases, lack of training, and fear among constituents, and said he would vote against ITL while preferring interim study so the bill could still be used as a future amendment vehicle. Other members emphasized that the family division has ongoing reform work underway and that abolishing or moving cases to superior court would not solve the underlying problems. On HB 652FN, the subcommittee chair and Representative Pearson gave a detailed defense of the family division, explaining its history, statewide structure, caseload, and the rationale for specialized family courts. Pearson said the bill would reverse progress by shifting jurisdiction back to superior court, overload dockets, and deprive families of judges with specialized expertise. He pointed to reforms already underway, including simplified forms, more mediation, and review of possible judicial bias patterns. Several members and public comments supported keeping the bill as a tool for reform rather than killing it, while critics argued the family court system suffers from due process, oversight, and rule-of-law problems. The committee also heard broader testimony on family court concerns, including allegations of systemic bias, discovery limits, unsworn witnesses, and lack of oversight, as well as support for mediation as a less adversarial and more effective option. Some members said the judiciary needs more judges and mediators, but that budget constraints limit those improvements. The discussion ended with no final vote recorded in the excerpt; instead, members continued debating whether the bills should be ITL’d or retained for interim study and further reform work.

Transcript Highlights:

• They provide consumers with a predictable and high-quality repair experience.
• Local developments may not require any quasi judicial administrative border.
• So residents when I'm struggling and trying to find somewhere and I'm speaking from experience of having
• Judicial qualifications occasions Commission.
• Identify information can be used to identify miner who's been petitioning for a judicial waiver, parental

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ba'ashi's reawakening offers a chance for our people to experience a part of our identity that we had
• And pumpers can obtain judicial review of a GSP by filing a reverse validation action.
• And in terms of this bill, my little real-world experience with the adjudications and the validation
• One of the things about a judicial...
• The speaker said that the process is quasi-judicial, and that there is no inconsistency in objecting

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• First I want to say from the Fifth Judicial District, Patrick Mannion to be reappointed to the Board
• education in his community, and become a true advocate for the schools and the students of the Fifth Judicial
• not entirely versed in education to do, and I'm very pleased to have him reappointed to the Fifth Judicial
• AND SHE TRULY WILL BRING HER Wealth of experience and her perspective and her intimate knowledge of the

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• admissions of guilt and cannot be used against the employee in any civil, criminal, administrative, or judicial
• charter school to acquire and maintain undesignated glucagon to treat students with diabetes who experience
• clarification on the administrative process for Live Local developments, that they may not require quasi-judicial
• clarification on the administrative process for live local developments, that they may not require quasi-judicial
• Let me say this from experience.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and gallery recognitions, including students, university basketball coaches, and other visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar of bills, with most measures explained by sponsors, often substituted with identical House companions, and many passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, utility services, higher education, pre-arranged transportation services, the Uniform Commercial Code, altered sexual depictions, firearms during emergencies, brownfields, false reporting, health care billing and collection, and motor vehicles. Among the bills passed were measures on the Florida Trust Code, school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, debt collection email communications, service of process, public lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers and releases, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ties affecting health care licensure, diabetes management in schools, platting procedures, fentanyl testing in hospitals and emergency departments, third-party reservation platforms, electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, background screening of athletic coaches, and surrendered infants. Debate was especially notable on the surrendered infants bill, where some senators raised concerns about safety, anonymity, and liability, while supporters argued the devices could save lives. The affordable housing/Live Local bill also drew extensive discussion and a late-filed amendment, with the sponsor describing major land-use and permitting changes and the chamber adopting the amendment before final passage. The most contentious floor debate came on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, where senators argued over its fluoride-related provisions and broader policy package. Opponents criticized the bill as an overbroad preemption and raised public health concerns, while the sponsor defended it as a farm-and-consumer package with multiple unrelated provisions. That bill ultimately passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a resolution honoring Florida’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, made additional announcements, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• My co-heart in the other chamber, I do like the bill, and I can tell you I had this experience with my
• My co-heart in the other chamber, I do like the bill, and I can tell you had this experience with my
• nephew and just let and I can tell you, I had this experience with my nephew and just last week with
• And so since 2008, we've been operating in a judicial. post-conviction relief proceedings.
• It is my experience that our parole officers want to work with these offenders.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My co-heart in the other chamber, I do like the bill, and I can tell you I had this experience with my
• My co-heart in the other chamber, I do like the bill, and I can tell you had this experience with my
• And so since 2008, we've been operating in a judicial. post-conviction relief proceedings.
• We know from experience that certainty in the moment, The United States of America.
• It is my experience that our parole officers want to work with these offenders.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• They gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process and work experience, as well as insight into
• He also gained legal experience through a judicial internship with the American Bar Association at Dallas
• and Human Services Committee and oversaw all judicial committees.
• With experience as a...
• And so, because of the high turnover rate they experience, it's a real problem for them.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• since the adoption of the current iteration of the campaign finance law, there have been significant judicial
• While OCPF notes the judicial, economic, and cultural shifts over the last 50 years, the agency’s obligation
• Can you go into your prior experience and your amount of time as director?
• Our poll workers have experience running elections with multiple ballots from local and federal elections
• And you may have had the experience that I've had when elections are coming up and you get a text message

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate Election Laws committees held a hearing focused on campaign finance and several local election-related bills. Office of Campaign and Political Finance Director William Campbell testified in support of H. 848 and S. 515, saying the campaign finance law needs modernization and highlighting proposals for stronger Super PAC disclosure, more timely reporting, improved security for campaign participants, and other reforms. He said the bills would help update a 50-year-old system to reflect legal, economic, and cultural changes. A major portion of the hearing concerned H. 868/S. 507, which would require earlier and more frequent reporting by ballot question committees. Witnesses from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and others argued that ballot campaigns now involve tens of millions of dollars, much of it raised during periods with no real-time disclosure, and that moving these committees into the depository system would improve transparency without burdening grassroots signature-gathering. The committee also heard support for H. 811 and H. 812, which would allow municipalities to create citizen-funded election programs and require identifying information on political text messages, as well as S. 525/H. 875, which would bar political spending by foreign-influenced corporations. The committee also heard testimony on S. 2605, a Canton home rule petition to move town elections from April to November. Canton residents, a select board member, and a poll worker said the change would increase turnout, better align local elections with the November voting cycle, and give newly elected officials more time to prepare for town meeting. Senator Rausch also testified in support of S. 530, requiring presidential primary candidates to disclose recent tax returns. The hearing ended with no votes taken and the committee adjourning, with a note that the next hearing was tentatively scheduled for January 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the optometrists say that there have been 2 problems out of 146,000, but our real world experience
• That's a clinical experience, and that is compared to 17,000. 280 hours of training, uh, and clinical
• experience that was the average for the ophthalmologist.
• Lastly, a judicial review for disqualified applicants was added on page 5, Section E, subsection 2, in
• Um, Have in here language that says that they have the right to a judicial review on any final decision

Transcript Highlights:

• She was serving as the Director of Leadership Support Services for the Judicial Council of California
• President and colleagues, it is the unfortunate reality of the human experience in human history that
• Our shared experiences only reinforce our ability to work together. I expect to ask for an I vote.
• And that’s what LGBTQ people experience through big swaths of the world.
• And that's what LGBTQ people experience through big swaths of the world.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening period on floor privileges and guest recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia and Spain marking the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Representative Justin Jones, with several senators speaking in support of voting rights and democracy. The body then moved to business and confirmed two gubernatorial and State Bar appointments: Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as executive director of the State Bar. Senators also adopted SCR 163, recognizing May as California Tourism Month, with remarks emphasizing tourism’s economic impact and the work of Visit California and destination marketing organizations. The Senate next adopted SCR 170, declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, after extensive testimony from senators and firefighters about the trauma first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support services. The Senate also adopted SCR 174, marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers and highlighting the state’s community-based developmental services system. It then adopted SR 111, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, after strong floor statements about discrimination, safety, and the need to oppose silence in the face of hate. The consent calendar was approved, SCR 116 was moved to the inactive file, reconsideration was granted on SR 111 for a later session, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella, with the next meeting set for Monday, May 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He detains and deports immigrants without warrants or judicial oversight.
• Judges are not overseeing our judicial system anymore.
• Now, this experience impacted him deeply.
• He is targeting the very spirit of the American experiment. And so, Mr.
• He is targeting the very spirit of the American experiment. And so, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms. Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism. A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can tell you one thing just from my experience in Pittsfield in the hot air balloon rally.
• <00:03:11.599> in one thing just from my experience in one thing just from my experience in
• Innocent until proven guilty is the moniker of a fair and judicious justice system.
• <00:50:39.760> justice moniker of a fair and judicious justice moniker of a fair and judicious
• The fiscal note states the judicial The fiscal note states the judicial branch<03:07:55.439>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• harder than I am to make sure judges are adequately paid, that we preserve the prerogative of the judicial
• for processing these applications, ensuring qualified attorneys licensed in other states do not experience
• This bill addresses the lack of actionable prosecution data by requiring the Texas Texas Judicial Council
• Um, so this would just ask that the Texas judicial council take from each prosecuting attorney directly
• It is rather the bill sets up a process by which the Texas Judicial Council will collaboratively develop

Transcript Highlights:

• Some statistics that we do know is that over 80 percent of Native Americans experience violence in their
• Through listening to the experiences and stories of many who have lost loved ones, I acknowledge that
• We brought him back on with his experience in the position, and he's just so busy.
• investigator sanchise worked for us before he knew the community we brought him back on with his experience
• The first question is: from your training and your experience, can you speak to some of these specific

Summary: The hearing focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) grant program under the Board of State and Community Corrections and related Department of Justice efforts. BSCC reported that it now administers 36 MMIP grants across three cohorts, with awards ranging from $436,000 to $1 million, plus five collaborative grants at $2 million each, totaling $35.4 million awarded to federally recognized tribes. Testimony from tribal leaders and grantees described how the funding supports prevention, family advocacy, domestic violence services, law enforcement coordination, youth programming, culturally grounded healing, and new tribal public safety positions such as investigators, social workers, and drone operators. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the crisis is longstanding, tied to generational trauma, and that the grant has helped build trust and infrastructure in tribal communities. Several witnesses and committee members urged continued and preferably ongoing funding, noting that demand now exceeds available one-time money. BSCC and tribal representatives described outreach efforts that increased participation from four applicants in cohort one to 20 in cohort two and more applicants than funding in cohort three. Tribes also raised implementation concerns, especially the burden of quarterly narrative reporting, limited staff capacity, and the need for flexible administration. BSCC said it uses steering committees, separate small- and large-project categories, orientations, monitoring visits, and technical assistance to support grantees. Tribal leaders and advocates stressed that the program should remain accessible without requiring a waiver of tribal sovereignty. The second major topic was DOJ’s update on AB 3099, the Tribal Assistance Program, and the tribal police pilot under AB 134. DOJ officials said the Office of Native American Affairs and the Division of Law Enforcement have been conducting outreach, trainings, listening sessions, and coordination with tribal, local, state, and federal partners to address Public Law 280 jurisdictional issues, improve reporting and data, and support Feather Alert and MMIP-related resources. DOJ said the AB 3099 report is in internal review and that the tribal police pilot is moving forward with the Yurok Tribe as a participant, with a July 1, 2026 start date. DOJ and tribal witnesses said the pilot’s main barriers are cost and, for some tribes, the waiver of sovereign immunity. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with broad support for expanding and sustaining MMIP-related funding and infrastructure.