Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial reporting'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Immigration enforcement from entering unless they have a valid judicial warrant or a court order.
- ensuring that the nonpublic areas of health facilities cannot be accessed unless there's a valid judicial
- Not only are doctors and clinics reporting seeing higher rates of appointment cancellations...
- by providers in help. judicial precedent and practice that's already being implemented by providers
- We are very excited to hear from him about communicable diseases and HIV reporting.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several Senate bills focused on health care access, privacy, and public health data. SB 81 (Arreguín) would require health care facilities to create nonpublic areas and bar immigration enforcement from entering without a judicial warrant or court order, while also protecting disclosure of immigration-related information in medical records. The bill drew strong support from labor, immigrant-rights, health care, and patient advocacy groups, with committee members emphasizing patient safety and privacy; one member raised implementation concerns about how the restrictions would work in practice. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, with one no vote recorded.
SB 250 (Ochoa Bogh) would add skilled nursing facilities to DHCS’s managed care provider directory so Medi-Cal beneficiaries can more easily identify covered facilities. Supporters said the change would help seniors and people with disabilities avoid confusion and rushed placement decisions, especially during hospital discharge, and would make existing information easier to use. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations on a unanimous vote. SB 717 (Richardson) would formally recognize California’s three regional cancer registries in state law to help preserve federal funding and support cancer surveillance data collection. The author and supporters said the measure would protect more than $15 million in annual federal support and strengthen cancer research and tracking; the committee approved it unanimously to Appropriations.
SB 504 (Laird) would allow health care providers to disclose personally identifying information about previously reported HIV infections to state or local health officials when needed for disease control or care coordination. The author described the bill as a modernization of reporting and coordination practices, and supporters from the California Medical Association and Planned Parenthood backed it. The committee sent the bill out as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on a unanimous vote. The meeting also included routine consent-calendar action and multiple add-on votes, with the committee repeatedly holding the roll open to record additional members’ votes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Beginning on page four, Standing Committee Report Nos. 3432 to 3459. For one day notice.
- Standing Committee Report No. 3429 on Judiciary.
- , judicial nominee as judge for the District Court of the First Circuit, for adoption.
- Mariano, judicial nominee as judge for the District Court of the First Circuit, for adoption.
- Standing Committee Report No. 3431 on Judiciary, Communication No. 25.
Bills:
SCR8, SR10, SCR90, SR85, SCR110, SR103, SCR54, SR52, SCR107, SR101, SCR178, SR173, SR76, SCR40, SR30, SCR145, SR137, SCR62, SCR95, SR90, SCR45, SR44, SCR119, SR112, SCR63, SR57, SCR21, SR18, SCR27, SR24, SCR75, SR69, SCR7, SR7, SCR149, SCR55, SR53, SCR180, SR175, SCR86, SR77, SCR59, SCR41, SR31, HB1678, HB1824, SCR177, SR172, SCR5, SCR85, SR75, SCR139, SR131, SCR146, SR138, SR84, SCR31, SR27, SCR46, SR45, SCR48, SR47, SCR9, SR11, SCR83, SR73, SCR20, SR17, SCR56, SR54, SCR87, SCR39, SR29, SCR142, SR134, SCR203, SR191, SCR200, SR188, SCR196, SR184, SCR194, SR183, SCR114, SR107, SCR166, SR157, SCR96, SR91, SCR172, SR163, SCR109, SR102, SCR50, SR49, SCR64, SR58, SCR184, SR165, SCR81, SR71, SCR19, SR16, SCR22, SR19, SCR32, SR28, SCR57, SR55, SCR58, SR56, SCR103, SR97, SCR159, SR150, SCR163, SR154, SCR169, SR160, SCR68, SR63, SCR105, SR99, SCR112, SR105, SCR198, SR186, SCR11, SR9, SCR132, SR124, SCR189, SR179, SCR26, SR23, SCR93, SR88, SCR117, SR110, SCR164, SR155, SCR165, SR156, SCR170, SR161, SCR168, SR159, SCR173, SCR197, SCR47, SR46, SCR94, SR89, SCR99, SR93, SCR100, SR94, SCR130, SR122, SCR78, SR82, SCR154, SR145, SCR195, SR192, SCR162, SR153, SCR201, SR189, SCR202, SR190
Keywords:
building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary Feb 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Back in 2010, we had approximately 20,000 deaths a year reported to our agency.
- I'm the director for the Commission on Judicial Complaints. Is there a clicker somewhere?
- Second, I've listed the Judicial College that I've talked to you about.
- Would that be a legitimate course for a judicial complaint?
- We did this report for the House.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2087 by Miles relates to the content of biennial legislative immunization reports issued
- Senate Bill 2087 by Miles relates to the content of biennial legislative immunization reports issued
- Senate Bill 2146 is reported by prosecuting attorneys to the Texas Judicial Council to Criminal Justice
- Senate Bill 2174 by Parker relates to reporting and auditing requirements for digital...
- Senate Bill 2195 by Johnson relates to the reporting of certain orders and convictions to the Department
Bills:
SCR8, SCR24, SCR25, SB1, SB65, SB315, SB371, SB372, SB379, SB400, SB402, SB406, SB427, SB487, SB502, SB509, SB535, SB610, SB707, SB740, SB761, SB840, SB875, SB893, SB918, SB925, SB965, SB987, SB990, SB995, SB1006, SB1018, SB1073, SB1106, SB1121, SB1194, SB1253, SB1300, SB1343, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1532, SB1555, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SCR25, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SCR8, SB565, SB372, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB925, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB815, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, 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, SB1119, SB1505, SB24, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, 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, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB896, SB1352, SB973, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB1547, SB961, SB1038, SB513, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1198, SB1146, SB763, SB667
Keywords:
central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/11/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- secretary for the board on judicial secretary for the board on judicial standards<00:04:54.120><
- The preamble to the Judicial Code sets out the purpose of judicial discipline, and it talks about the
- Code sets out the purpose of um judicial Code sets out the purpose of um judicial discipline<00:08:23.080
- of private discipline for judicial of private discipline for judicial officers<00:26:39.440>
- <01:10:34.360>
potential how they can call to report potential how they can call to report
Summary:
The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review.
Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- the attorney general's annual report. the attorney general's annual report.
- report? report? >> It<01:21:51.600>
does. >> It does. >> It does. - <03:17:39.840>
safety reporting of data and no reported safety reporting of data and no reported - Just our judicial branch is one. Just our judicial branch is one.
- more information and report back. more information and report back.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Public Safety and Judiciary 2ND REVISED Jan 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, Senator, for the reports, the board does review every single investigative report they received
- It is the request of the Board on Judicial Compensation.
- Court reporter slots.
- enough licensed court reporters working in the state.
- But many states now have a marshal or some form of judicial service that oversees statewide judicial
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Will you write the main report? And who is going to be a minority report? Representative Manos.
- ask you to write the report? ask you to write the report? >> Happy<01:09:26.799>
to. - <02:01:07.920>
mandates and the rejection of judicial mandates and the rejection of judicial - legislative, executive and judicial legislative, executive and judicial ought<02:06:17.440>
to - Those who are writing reports, can I ask that you have the reports to me by the end of the day tomorrow
Summary:
The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call.
The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings.
Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some more affluent judicial districts that can add to that.
- So it is a fluctuating number, but there are several judicial districts.
- Seeing no objection, House Bill 660 would be reported favorable as amended.
- Tammany's here, 22nd Judicial District.
- I even passed the budget, the judicial budget, two years ago, unanimous. ...the budget, the judicial
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended.
Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably.
The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund.
Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why Senate finances are already publicly reported.
- Senate finances are already publicly reported, why spending information is available online, and why
- We have not asked the Supreme Judicial Court its opinion. That is unfortunate.
- Once again, we filed questions to the Supreme Judicial Court.
- The right thing to do is to ask the Supreme Judicial Court to send the document the Supreme Judicial
Summary:
The Senate first took up several local bills and resolutions. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate No. 1831, providing line-of-duty death benefits for the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy of Rutland, and passed to be engrossed House bills concerning police officer age requirements in Haverhill, Newton, and Stoneham, including exemptions for named individuals and a local age-waiver measure. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and for the Italian Consulate in Boston on Italian National Day.
The Senate then considered House No. 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in the Senate’s amendment and appointed conferees. On motion, the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also referred a House petition on a temporary liquor-license/public-consumption pilot to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology after suspending Joint Rule 12.
A major floor debate centered on Senate No. 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide records in the clarified scope while preserving constitutional objections to broader requests; opponents argued the Senate should comply more fully and seek the court’s guidance earlier. After a roll call, the resolution was adopted 33-6. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William F. “Bill” Howard of Beverly and adjourned until the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House lawmakers advance bill to boost spending on Capitol security 4/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the first is the judicial security and courthouse bill.
- Um, I'll also note that the Axtel report that was done, um, talked about some of the needs for these
- branch and all the courouses we judicial branch and all the courouses we have<00:02:00.399>
across - Um the first is<00:02:18.800>
the <00:02:19.120>judicial <00:02:19.680>security < - <00:02:40.400>
branch yellow ties here for the judicial branch yellow ties here for the judicial
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3230, a security package combining several bills related to political and Capitol security. Members first adopted the DE6 amendment, described as reflecting the negotiated allocation and appropriations language, and then heard Chair Mullen explain that the bill covers judicial security and courthouse grants, continued Capitol grounds screening, hardware and hardening improvements, legislative services home security, temporary local law enforcement support for credible threats, a new task force, funding for the BCA threat assessment team, and DPS deficiency funding tied to recent events.
Discussion focused largely on the balance between security and public access. Representative West objected to the Capitol screening and metal detectors, arguing the Capitol is the “people’s house” and questioning the cost and fairness of the measures; he also asked whether the bill changed who controls Capitol security. In response, members said the scanners were not created by this bill but were already decided by the governor and security commission, and that the bill includes a provision clarifying the chain of command and training responsibilities. Other members supported the package as a necessary response to political violence and threats, emphasizing protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and the public.
After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to place House File 3230, as amended, on the general register. The motion passed without opposition.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- favor to give the bill a favor report favor to give the bill a favor report say<00:17:27.039>
- Bill gets a favor report. >> Opposed. Bill gets a favor report.
- All in favor to give the bill a favorable report, say I. Opposed. Bill gets a favorable report.
- Loss is reported within 72 hours.
- retards judicial discretion? retards judicial discretion?
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-03 - 10:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a difference between allowing the judicial process to function and sabotaging it.
- That merit-based process manifests itself in a judicial nominating board.
- <00:50:19.280>
nominating as determined by the judicial nominating as determined by the judicial - nonpartisan tradition of judicial nonpartisan tradition of judicial nomination<00:50:28.720>
- He reminded us of the danger of the judicial nominating process becoming politicized.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to ask the LBB staff to report on the adopted items, but slowly, so that each member has a
- To add a 6% increase for non-judicial and non-attorney salary staff positions $700,000.
- A 6% salary increase for all non-judicial staff positions was adopted at $3 million.
- Salary increase, 6% for non-judicial staff, adopted at 300,000.
- State commission on judicial conduct. Item one.
Bills:
SB 1
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Garcia's bill Senate Bill 48 related to judicial sales and procedures.
- I consider to restore fairness, transparency and integrity in Florida's judicial sales process.
- By your vote CS for Senate Bill. 48 will be reported favorably.
- What to expect report misconduct. Senator Passadomo.
- Referee files that report with the Supreme Court.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- That the department shall report identified data or deidentified data to the State Judicial Proceedings
- That the department shall report identified data or deidentified data to the State Judicial Proceedings
- That the department shall report identified data or deidentified data to the State Judicial Proceedings
- That the department shall report identified data or deidentified data to the State Judicial Proceedings
- That the department shall report identified data or deidentified data to the State Judicial Proceedings
Summary:
The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work.
On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And by way, of example, those 110 judicial in judicial system vacancies include a number of the new judgeships
- With respect to court reporting, we use digital court reporters for a number of proceedings and there
- And I hope to have additional information to report back on that very soon regarding the court reporters
- Before I that was a good report.
- Any a digital court reporter and it'll court reporter is managed by train personnel.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Since I was up early this morning and actually have the report written, I'll write the report.
- morning and actually have the report morning and actually have the report written<00:32:53.880><
- um then will there be a Minority Report um then will there be a Minority Report to<02:06:19.480>
- case... to write a Minority Report there doesn't to write a Minority Report there doesn't have<02:06
- <04:59:08.480>
B <04:59:09.240>judicial talks about the the judicial B judicial talks
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses.
The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (10/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We can make preliminary unofficial reports by voting by email.
- <00:06:34.800>
by end of October and make our report by end of October and make our report - by<00:06:56.319>
voting preliminary unofficial reports by voting preliminary unofficial reports - in the review reports for 30 years now. in the review reports for 30 years now.
- Families report that they face delays and confusion.
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems.
A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout.
Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.
NH