Video & Transcript Research : 'judging'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 13 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we've gone down from four judges, it looks like, to five judges. That correct?
- regular circuit judge. That's correct. regular circuit judge. That's correct.
- Correct. >> Not circuit judges.
- Correct. >> Not circuit judges.
- for two judges. for two judges.
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer by Reverend David McDow of Fondren Presbyterian Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled routine business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the reading of the journal and bill introductions, and recognizing pages and several visiting groups in the galleries, including Oktibbeha County Young Leaders, Special Olympics champions, the doctor of the day, and members of the Women’s League of Voters. There were also remarks honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and a response from a member of Omega Sapphire Fraternity.
The main legislative item was House Bill 580, a technical correction to judicial district maps. The bill was explained as fixing precinct placement errors in the Fourth Circuit Court District and correcting precincts affected by the creation of the CCID in Hinds County’s Seventh Circuit Court District. Members asked about how many judges would be on the ballot, whether the CCID judge would exercise regular civil and criminal jurisdiction, and when the changes would take effect. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve existing district boundaries, avoid changing qualifying deadlines, and keep the CCID judge as a regular circuit judge for an eight-year term. The House passed the bill 112-0 and then granted immediate release.
Toward the end of the meeting, members made several announcements about committee schedules and upcoming events, including budget hearings, Military Affairs, Universities and Colleges, Rules, State Affairs, and a legislative prayer breakfast and welcome reception. The House also took multiple adjournment-in-memory requests for deceased Mississippians, including Larry Bryant, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Linda Stranger, Mary Lou Thompson, and Viva Hughes Williams. The House then adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the next day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we really need good judges on the bench as more judges retire.
- retirement benefits for the new judges. retirement benefits for the new judges.
- <00:38:44.640>
So, trying to recruit those judges. So, trying to recruit those judges. - need really we really need good judge need really we really need good judge judges<00:39:42.240>
- on the bench as you know more judges on the bench as you know more judges<00:39:45.119>
retire.
AL
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- encapsul encapsulized by a local judge encapsul encapsulized by a local judge uh<00:52:04.319>
- These weren't municipal judges. These are judges in the Department of Law and counties.
- right of the judge or giving the judge right of the judge or giving the judge the<01:35:02.159><
- support our municipal judges. support our municipal judges.
- Remember, it doesn't mandate the judge. Remember, it doesn't mandate the judge.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 20 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome back, Judge. Welcome back, Judge.
Lilis welcome Judge Jason Mangum, Judge Lilis welcome Judge Jason Mangum, Judge Lilis Shoemaker- and Judge Graham.
- And at Stacy Beville, Judge Beville there, there's Judge Beville.
- Judge, forgive me. Um we'd like see you. Judge, forgive me.
Summary:
The Mississippi Senate convened with a quorum present and began the day with an invocation by Dr. Ben Bernett of William Carey University, followed by the pledge and national anthem performed by William Carey students. The chamber then handled routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and welcomed numerous guests, including youth court judges, medical professionals, and representatives from Women for Progress of Mississippi, which was recognized for its 48th anniversary and its work in civic leadership, education, advocacy, and community empowerment. Angela Stewart spoke about the organization’s founder, Dorothy May Thompson Stewart Samuel, and the group’s mission to promote informed citizenship, strong education, and economic opportunity.
The Senate also confirmed Senate Nomination 74, Michael Barry Nelson of Madison, to the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women for a four-year at-large term beginning July 1, 2025, after Senator Kirby explained that the commission-repeal bill had not yet become law. The chamber then suspended the rules to take up items 2 through 9 in block and adopted a series of resolutions honoring Warren Central High School’s swim team, recognizing the cultural connection between Quebec and Mississippi, commending the Terry High School boys track and field team, expressing support for Beth Israel congregation after an arson attack, recognizing Dr. Charles McLullen’s impact on the SWAC, commemorating Mississippi College’s bicentennial, honoring Alexander and Friends of Mississippi Veterans, and congratulating Brookhaven High School’s football team. All of these items passed by voice vote or use of the morning roll call.
Later, senators announced committee meetings and other events, including Finance, Appropriations subcommittees, a Rules Committee meeting, and a government structure meeting. Senator Turner Ford also moved to hold Senate Bill 2017, the “Various Obsolete Commissions Repeal,” on a motion to reconsider. The session ended with the Senate entering recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect a return at 10:00 a.m. the following morning.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I even put on a tie for you, Judge. Judge, I even put on a tie for you today.
- So what if I'm in the Black Belt, and I'm the judge, and I order... ...and I'm the judge, and I order
- We appreciate you, Judge. Very much, we appreciate you, Judge.
- Judge Stur, are you the president of the municipal judges association? Yes, sir, I am.
- Is it Judge Sherman? I think Judge Sherman, you are an opponent, not a proponent.
Keywords:
criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (10/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:07:34.000>
which <00:07:34.319>has <00:07:34.560>been judge one case one judge - which has been judge one case one judge which has been in<00:07:35.039>
the <00:07:35.280> - to the ca to um to NCE and uh a judge to the ca to um to NCE and uh a judge will<00:26:15.120>
- But the downside to that was if a parent really hated the judge, there weren't a lot of other judges
- I worked in Warren County, where there was one judge and one substitute judge.
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- So I join Judge Machera and...
- I echo both Judge Machera and Judge Del Vecchio's sentiments. This is not a theoretical problem.
- Not only is Judge Salas' son in the U.S.
- judges and judges' family members.
- I'm a district court judge.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn.
On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees.
The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 3
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:29:44.720>
Goodman Committee found that Judge Goodman Committee found that Judge Goodman - instituted by Judge Coman at Judge<01:31:57.920>
Goodman, <01:31:58.960>the <01:31:59.200 - >
Supreme <01:31:59.800>Court Judge Goodman, the Supreme Court Judge Goodman, the Supreme - <01:35:11.760>
Goodman impeachment against Judge Goodman impeachment against Judge Goodman - articles of impeachment against Judge articles of impeachment against Judge Goodman,<01:37:37.840
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- judges.
- I am the former presiding judge, and I was appointed Chief Administrative Judge.
- Earlier in my career in 2000, ...judge, and I was appointed Chief Administrative Judge.
- Chairman, thank you for coming, Judge. Thank you. Mr. Powell, thank you for coming, Judge.
- There's a lot of judges who are appointed judges who aren't so bright either. Mr.
Keywords:
veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it going to be the judge? Would the judge fail to appoint them?
- So you heard from Judge Laird, uh, one of my local judges, good friend of mine.
- Um, the judge said that.
- is the same as the criminal defense judge, same as civil judge.
- And all judges, even bad judges, are still adherent to the code of judicial conduct.
Bills:
HB116
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Judge. The chair calls John Schrode, Judge, Association of District Judges.
- Has the judge signed that order? That judge was not a judge at the time that order was created.
- judges.
- The chair calls Judge Machalk, Judge Bill Miller, Judge Annabelle Perez, and Kevin Reddington.
- I know many of those judges. You all are wonderful judges.
Bills:
HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40
Keywords:
partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary committee approves anti-kickback bill, HF2260 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So this just adds those uh human services judges who are very similar to the administrative law judges
- Uh in 2024 human services judges.
- law judges similar to the administrative law judges to<00:05:13.520>
this <00:05:14.080>uh - . maybe the United States having judges maybe the United States having judges and<00:13:52.800>
1979 - <00:14:52.880>
And <00:14:53.040>why judges. Thank you, Miss Gro. And why judges.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 2260, a Judiciary Committee clone of portions of the larger DHS policy bill, and adopted the A1 amendment, which was described as largely technical but also incorporating changes from the related human services bill. The bill was presented as covering several DHS-related policy areas, including background studies transparency, anti-kickback provisions for medical assistance and child care assistance, and personal data protections for human services judges. The amendment also added a number of provisions related to direct care and treatment, competency restoration billing and data sharing, fraud enforcement tools, behavioral health fund eligibility, and clarifications to prior law.
Testimony from DHS Office of Inspector General legislative director Ardian Diddy emphasized that the bill would improve transparency in background studies, update investigative and arrest data access, extend a limited set-aside to similar provider types, and correct an effective-date error from last session. He also said the anti-kickback language would mirror federal Medicaid law for medical assistance and create a state-level prohibition for CCAP, giving DHS and law enforcement more tools to investigate fraud and misuse. Additional provisions would add human services judges to existing personal data protections for judicial officials. Diddy also explained amendment sections from the governor’s fraud package, including authority to act against entities convicted of fraud or theft, data-sharing improvements, and a disqualification from management and billing positions.
Members raised questions about possible conflicts of interest involving DHS employees with outside LLCs and about the need for stronger safeguards against fraud. The chair and other members referenced recent fraud cases and said the bill would help prevent similar abuses. Christy Grumman of DHS testified on the judge privacy section, saying there are about 35 human services judges and describing a recent incident in which a judge received violent threats serious enough to require the family’s temporary relocation by the State Patrol. Representative Hudson supported the anti-kickback provisions as a needed codification of agency authority. The committee then approved the amended bill and recommended it be re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- This also ties the hands of the judge in the latter case because that judge...
- I am the family judge, or the judge of the family court in Hayes County. Texas.
- I'm Judge Hayes from Hays... Yeah, right, okay. All right. Thank you, Judge.
- Thank you so much, Judge Hayes.
- as our judge.
Keywords:
fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 19 adds a statement to the election judge oath of office that says the election judge won't share
- <00:10:07.600>
from parties before appointing judges from parties before appointing judges - <00:10:19.480>
oath a statement to the election judge oath a statement to the election judge - of office that says the election judge of office that says the election judge won't<00:10:22.480
- <00:10:41.360>
to that allows untray election judges to that allows untray election judges
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
CHILDREN & YOUTH COMMITTEE- SENATE & AGING, CHILDREN & YOUTH, AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS- HOUSE Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But that did not deter myself, Judge Rhonda Wood at the time, who was a juvenile judge before she made
- Casey Foundation, with the juvenile judges. And I credit Judge Hanna at the time.
- I'd like to touch on Judge Braswell.
- for a lot of our judges.
- So what Judge Braswell needs in Conway is not necessarily what Judge Hess, who was also here, needs in
Summary:
The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth met to approve prior minutes, confirm Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and receive several presentations. The Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review team reported on unexpected child deaths in Arkansas, saying its 2023 review covered 148 of 170 non-natural deaths, with the remainder unavailable due to criminal investigations or missing records. Of the reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined, and members discussed how the report’s recommendations could be used by agencies and nonprofits for prevention work and grant applications. Committee members also asked about age breakdowns and how the data could be shared without identifying individual cases.
The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was intended to confront data on juvenile incarceration and system outcomes. Senator Missy Irvin, judges Troy Braswell and Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described the state’s long-running reform efforts, including the SAVRY risk assessment, diversion programs, and efforts to keep more youth in their communities. They said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, but also emphasized ongoing gaps in mental health, substance abuse, and school-based supports. Members raised concerns about school data sharing, behavioral health access, and how to better identify youth with disabilities or trauma earlier.
Judge Braswell and others stressed that many youth in the system have significant trauma, family instability, or unmet treatment needs, and that judges need individualized information to make decisions. Several members discussed the role of schools, the school safety dashboard, and the need for stronger community providers, especially in rural areas. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided data on commitments, facility use, demographics, offense levels, length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, and costs. He said commitments rose after the pandemic and then began to decline, while secure and detention costs increased with the need for more beds; he also noted that most youth in custody have behavioral health needs and that DYS works closely with DCFS, courts, and providers. No final action was taken on HCR 1010 during the discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/5/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- concerns around reducing election judge concerns around reducing election judge privacy<00:09:10.560
- <00:10:15.720>
of completed by election judges of completed by election judges of differing - <00:48:14.040>
in been printed the head election judge in been printed the head election judge - <00:48:39.920>
for result in in the election judge for result in in the election judge for - activities election judges activities election judges do<01:03:17.640>
some <01:03:17.839>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- for a state district court judge.
- Then a business court judge could be making the same as a district court judge if that county chose to
- The bill proposes one additional judge for Dallas, that's the 1st Division, and one additional judge
- We've adopted the 10 judges who have gotten together and elected a chief judge.
- The business court judges heard them; pretty much every judge got at least one.
Keywords:
digital court reporting, court reporting, court reporter, electronic recording, audio recording, video recording, transcription, verbatim record, judicial administration, Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial System, courts, depositions, grand jury, referee, court commissioner, court technology, courtroom technology, access to justice, accuracy
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And I've always said that no matter how good the circuit judge is, no circuit judge is good enough to
- But we also hear complaints that the judges' other civil matters, the judges' other criminal matters,
- We're even here in Kanawha County that has eight circuit judges.
- The circuit judge still gets final look and final approval.
- I would just echo that in my talks with the circuit court judges, statistically, the circuit court judges
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment.
The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach.
Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge, welcome. We might have questions. Judge, welcome to this committee. Introduce yourself.
- I've been the judge for the last six years.
- I am not here testifying as a judge.
- Just as the judge just testified, the judge weighs the facts, they hear the experts, they determine what's
- Rhonda Hurley and Susan Shepard and Judge Jean Muir.
Keywords:
business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support
Summary:
The committee heard several House bills, most of them relating to family law and court procedure, and left each bill pending after testimony. House Bill 1916 would clarify that the court that issued a final divorce decree retains exclusive jurisdiction over later actions involving undivided property. House Bill 1973 would require a certified birth certificate, if reasonably available, to be filed with a SAPCR petition or allow alternative proof of parentage while keeping the information confidential. House Bill 2530 would add qualifications and procedural safeguards for appointing amicus attorneys in SAPCR cases, including notice and hearing requirements, minimum qualifications, conflict rules, and limits on what amicus attorneys may do. House Bill 2524 would make Family Code references to attorney’s fees consistent by using “reasonable and necessary” language. House Bill 3180 would correct a scrivener’s error in the civil discovery rules by changing “settlement” to “statement.”
The committee also heard House Bill 4213, which would change the interest rate on overdue child support from the current 6 percent simple interest to a fixed 5 percent and require the Attorney General to report on the impact of the change. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued lower interest could improve collections and help low-income obligors catch up, citing research and the size of child-support arrearages; opponents said lowering the rate would reduce incentives to pay and harm custodial parents and children. The Attorney General’s office raised implementation concerns about a House version that would have created a variable rate, while the committee substitute was described as restoring a simple fixed rate. After testimony, the bill was left pending.
The committee also discussed House Bill 40, updating business court provisions and supplemental jurisdiction; House Bill 3421, streamlining probate procedures for original wills and copies; and House Bill 417, clarifying venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property. Each drew limited testimony and was left pending. Finally, House Bill 3783 drew extensive testimony on court-ordered counseling and reunification therapy in family cases. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect children and abuse victims from coercive, unregulated reunification practices, while opponents argued it was too broad, could interfere with legitimate therapy and judicial discretion, and might affect military families and other high-conflict cases. The committee heard testimony from judges, therapists, parents, survivors, and advocates, but took no final action and left the bill pending.