Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial rules'
Page 83 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The rules are suspended.
- We'll work hard, play by the rules.
- The ruling of Judge Charles R.
- The Assembly Rules Committee recently reminded members and staff of the applicable rules related to the
- The Assembly Rules Committee recently reminded members and staff of the applicable rules related to the
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file.
The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members.
The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 093 Apr 17th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- in the judicial stabilization cash fund. in the judicial stabilization cash fund.
- the executive, legislative, and judicial the executive, legislative, and judicial departments<01
- The coat rule is relaxed.
- And the coat rule is relaxed. And the coat rule is relaxed.
- And we're also the current PIP rules.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a large third-reading consent calendar containing many House bills, most of them dealing with appropriations, fund transfers, repeals of programs or cash funds, and related budget adjustments. The calendar included measures affecting broadband infrastructure, early childhood prevention services, school food programs, reading and assessment programs, higher education funding, human services funding models, disaster and transportation funds, public safety communications, and several other state cash funds and reserve requirements. Most of the bills passed with broad support, though several drew recorded no votes from individual senators on specific measures.
Before the consent calendar vote, Senator Catlin recognized a Montrose leadership class visiting the chamber. The Senate then adopted the consent calendar, with the clerk recording numerous individual no votes on particular bills. Among the more notable measures passed were bills related to the Healthy School Meals for All program, the state education fund, the Affordable Housing Financing Fund, kinship care, judicial discipline, public defender/prosecutor behavioral health support, public safety personnel health benefits, multimodal transportation funding, unclaimed property transfers, tobacco education funds, and preschool funding. Several bills were approved unanimously or near-unanimously, while others had more divided votes.
The chamber then debated Senate Bill 90, which exempts critical infrastructure from the Consumer Repair Bill of Rights Act. Senator Snyder explained that the bill had been revised after stakeholder discussions with opponents, the governor’s office, and the attorney general’s office; the amendment L006 was described as narrowing and defining the exemption, giving the Attorney General rulemaking authority, and preserving district court review. Senator Carson supported the amendment and said it clarified that the bill focused on business-to-business and business-to-government equipment rather than retail consumer products. The amendment was adopted 35-0, and the bill then passed 22-13.
The Senate also passed House Bill 1351 on the Healthy School Meals for All program, with Senator Kirkmeyer saying it repays money previously transferred from the state education fund and does not reduce program funding or transparency. House Bill 1353 on state-administered social studies assessments passed 25-10, and House Bill 1359 on school land mineral revenues passed 28-7. The final portion of the transcript shows additional House bills being read and passed, including measures on housing financing, reserve reductions, cash fund transfers, child welfare subsidies, kinship care, judicial discipline, public safety benefits, multimodal transportation, unclaimed property transfers, tobacco education funds, and preschool funding, with several senators recording no votes and Senator Kirkmeyer noting concerns about transparency in cash fund balances during the debate on House Bill 1405.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1449, asbestos program rules and fees.
- SB 1573, judicial determinations, religious secretarian laws. No, SB 1570.
- SB 1573, judicial determinations, religious secretarian laws.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guests in the gallery, including Tom Walsh, Lisa Everett, Avery Franz, and Chief Elliot Sneezy. Members also extended well wishes to Senator Farnsworth’s wife, who was hospitalized. The President made a temporary committee appointment, naming Senator Fernandez to the Education Committee for February 4, 2026.
The chamber then processed a large number of House messages and first-reading bill referrals covering a wide range of topics, including transportation, taxation, water policy, education, health care, public safety, housing, elections, immigration, behavioral health, and appropriations. Among the notable items were bills on religious institutions and charitable services, alternative fuel tax, school budgets, civics instruction, private school teacher certification, informed consent for medical interventions, rural groundwater management, and multiple appropriation measures for law enforcement, fire incident management, school safety, housing, and social services. Standing committee reports were also received and entered without being read.
In other business, the Senate considered the Governor’s nomination of James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents. The Education Committee recommended confirmation, and the full Senate voted to approve and confirm the nomination by voice vote. After a recess, the Senate returned, received additional first-reading bills and committee reports, announced committee meeting schedules for the following day, and then adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm actually a tier 2, so I'm under the rule of 80, so my age plus my years of experience, I can retire
- year of service, 5-year average, tier one's 3-year average, but all the officers coming on now, the rule
- Uh, I'm also under the rule of 80, and, uh, but, but as has been mentioned, they come in, uh, a little
- I'm in Rule of 80 as well. Um, you're going to hear a lot of people talk about stats.
- Uh, currently there are two judicial retirement plans in Texas, JRS1 and JRS2.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- We also use this data integrally for assessment of judicial need.
- The first is through our Judicial Management Council, and they've been meeting with justice partners
- Supreme Court has been heavily focused in significant changes in the area of civil case management and rule
- And over the last year, the courts issued a number of opinions that make changes to the rules of civil
- procedure and the rules of general practice that are designed to ensure that judges are actively managing
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements.
Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency.
The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Jan 22nd, 2025
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we need a director who respects the rule of law. Not the rule of one man.
- If the rule of the law in a state is that it's a 15 mile an hour speed limit, you can't just say, "Well
- Is there some new rule in this committee regarding where these executive orders came from?
- I believe it's the only letter. that you ever wrote to the Judicial Conference.
- and into the judicial financial disclosure forms personally?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, the bill directs the Board of Podiatric Medicine to adopt implementing rules.
- Even I, Miss Rule Follower, broke a caucus position to support this legislation.
- Rules Chair Pasidomo, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Before I recognize the Rules Chair for another motion, are there any announcements?
- Madam Rules Chair, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns.
The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It changed at the next committee stop, and then that moved to rules.
- We talked about the impact rule, how that has not changed. That's consistent.
- Pursuant to Rule 4.19, the bill will be placed on the calendar of bills for third reading.
- The senator of the 28th, Rules Chair Pasadomo, for what purpose do you rise? Thank you, Mr.
- Madam Rules Chair, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized bipartisan work on education, health care, the environment, and family issues. The chamber also recognized military leaders, an intern, and guests connected to later bills. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start of the session.
The Senate then took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion substitutions and technical amendments. Major measures included the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which passed 36-0; a local government land regulation bill that was amended after questions about quasi-judicial hearings, impact fees, and county costs, then passed 26-8; a vessels/boating bill that incorporated related legislation and passed 35-0; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which passed 36-0; a fleeing or eluding law enforcement bill, amended to remove vehicle impoundment in the House version, which passed 36-0; a concealed carry/firearms bill for certain law enforcement and military personnel, which passed 33-3; and a timeshare management bill, which passed 36-0.
The chamber also passed a disability history and awareness instruction bill, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, after extensive debate about language and the meaning of disability versus “unique abilities”; it received 35 co-sponsors and passed 35-0. Other bills passed included manufacturing and related fee legislation, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, mammogram coverage, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Dean Sauer, of Missouri, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Harmeet Dhillon, of California, and Aaron Reitz, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, all of the Department of Justice. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- She leads with integrity, fearlessness, and an unshakable belief in the rule of law and the importance
- So when we start talking about, you know, the rule of law and that you all would would follow the rule
- And if confirmed, I will follow the rule of law. Thank you. Mrs.
- Your fidelity would be to the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Will you tell this committee what the rule against perpetuities is?
Keywords:
Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion
Summary:
The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The court found those to be dismal and ruled that funding and oversight were insufficient.
- Down with the ruling, it was based primarily on inequities in literacy and math scores.
- These lawsuits really demonstrate judicial policymaking.
- Right, one of the planning sessions in Bernalillo County for our judicial district.
- and not dependent on judicial intervention.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee Jul 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I also am the Judicial Committee Chairwoman, and I am a North Dakota resident.
- Like I said, under judicial, a huge... ...committee chairs on a lot of the input.
- One of the things we're moving forward with in the judicial is a proposed ordinance looking at.
- In the judicial, there is a proposed ordinance looking at extradition and banishment.
- However, there was an administrative rule that was being.
Summary:
The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff.
A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health.
Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward.
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Judicial discretion, due process protections, and prosecutorial judgment remain fully intact.
- I'm the state court administrator for the Wyoming Judicial Branch.
- That takes a lot of judicial discretion away.
- <01:19:22.080>
discretion That takes a lot of judicial discretion That takes a lot of judicial - >
discretion <01:19:25.199>actually in the judicial discretion actually in the judicial
Keywords:
stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Did the court rule that this was one incident?
- legislation becomes law, please know that we will see a significant increase in the misuse of our judicial
- Shall is also needed for judicial economy. Our courts are already overwhelmed with other issues.
- The foundation of our society, of an orderly society, is our judicial system.
- our judges, When our professionals who work in the clerk's offices and work for our judges and our judicial
Summary:
The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0.
The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0.
HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- relate to uh judicial and prosecutorial transparency<00:25:51.440>
uh <00:25:51.559>for - <00:26:13.760>
dis prosecutorial transparency judicial dis prosecutorial transparency judicial - page five related to judicial page five related to judicial essentially<00:26:35.120>
judicial - <00:26:35.640>
transparency <00:26:36.399>and essentially judicial transparency and - essentially judicial transparency and Page<00:26:36.919>
seven <00:26:37.760>uh <00:26:
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present, approved the January 21, 2025 minutes by voice vote, and then took up House File 7, which was recommended to pass and be re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The chair also reminded attendees about decorum rules in the committee room. House File 7 was described by the author as a public safety package combining 12 provisions from prior Republican-authored bills, aimed at supporting law enforcement, reducing violent crime, and increasing accountability in the criminal justice system.
The bill’s main provisions discussed included tougher penalties for aggravated fleeing, making it a crime to be in a stolen vehicle, allowing tracking devices on stolen vehicles even when occupied, increasing penalties for blocking highways and critical infrastructure, and increasing penalties for assaulting peace officers. The author also highlighted provisions on sex trafficking, predatory offender registration, and greater public disclosure of bail payments, case dismissals, sentencing reductions, and sentencing guideline changes. Testifying in support were Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, MPPOA President Shane Mey, and Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Executive Director Jeff Potts, all of whom argued the bill would help officers address auto theft, fleeing suspects, and assaults on law enforcement. They cited increases in assaults on officers and high numbers of stolen vehicles and fleeing cases, and said the bill would improve safety and transparency.
Witnesses generally supported the bill’s approach but suggested some refinements, including adding language for additional aggravating factors in officer assault cases and considering similar treatment for corrections officers. Sheriff Fletcher also urged reconsideration of the recently enacted raise-the-age changes, arguing they could limit law enforcement’s ability to respond to younger offenders involved in stolen vehicles. No opposition testimony or final vote on House File 7 was recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to pass and re-refer it.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, the bill directs the Board of Podiatric Medicine to adopt implementing rules.
- Even I, Miss Rule Follower, broke a caucus position to support this legislation.
- Rules Chair Pasidomo, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Before I recognize the Rules Chair for another motion, are there any announcements?
- Madam Rules Chair, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program.
Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Gottlieb: ...have spoken with General Maney about this in our Judicial Appropriations Committee, but
- Our last one of the day, Committee 507, Special Protections and Judicial Proceedings by Rep. Baker.
- Barnaby: Representative Baker, can you explain what is the conduit rule, please?
- It's encapsulated, it's judiciously reviewed over and over again.
- They are triggered only by judicial findings.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #7
Transcript Highlights:
- from participating in or using state assets or monies for the implementation or enforcement of any rule
- from participating in or using state assets or monies for the implementation or enforcement of any rule
- , House Bill 2189 requires the Arizona State Board of Nursing by October 1, 2026, to adopt certain rules
- We have not seen any rules or the process being adopted, so this is just nudging the board to make these
- rules and to make sure that they're in statute so the licensed health aides can be utilized in practice
Summary:
The meeting was a caucus-style run-through of many bills and resolutions across Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Federalism/Military Affairs/Elections, Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, ENRU, Public Safety, and Rural Economic Development. Measures discussed included housing and HOA rules, school policy and funding, health care licensing and records timelines, public safety and corrections funding, election and campaign rules, water and environmental policy, and several criminal justice and juvenile justice changes. Many items were described as being on third-read consent or consent calendars, with staff often noting that no questions were raised and no sponsor was present.
Several bills drew sponsor explanation or member discussion. In education, members reviewed bills on teacher strikes, school safety, math placement, student outcomes, free school meals, parent permission for clubs, and school bond ballot disclosures. In health, bills covered prior authorization data reporting, nursing board rules and complaint procedures, pharmacist testing/treatment authority, opioid antagonist expiration dates, board continuations, and a constitutional amendment on refusing medical mandates. In government and public safety, members discussed DCS legal representation, inmate medical records, public safety parity funding, sheriff authority, border support funding, and a resolution supporting county sheriffs. In commerce and housing, bills addressed condominium and HOA authority, shade structures, pet restrictions, insurance certificates, apprenticeship definitions, automatic renewal contracts, and a state housing affordability district.
There was notable discussion on House Bill 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and DOC salaries using interest from the state rainy day fund and other revenue sources. The sponsor argued it would provide a reliable way to fund public safety pay, while others objected that it would consume interest needed to preserve the fund’s value and that a general fund appropriation would be more appropriate. The bill prompted extended back-and-forth, with some members supporting the concept and others saying it was fiscally irresponsible. Another point of discussion came on House Bill 2775, where staff noted a possible misprint in the bill history, and on House Bill 467, where staff clarified that the inactive voter list changes related to e-poll book status categories. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the meeting appears to have been a review of measures before floor action.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
- I move the rules be waived and the bill be immediately certified to the House.
- I move the rules be waived and the bill be immediately certified to the House.
- I move the rules be waived and the bill be immediately certified to the House.
- , I move that the rules be waived and the bill be immediately certified to the House.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors.
The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects.
Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #13
Transcript Highlights:
- Lastly, it establishes court requirements for an expedited judicial review of a malicious delay claim
- Additionally, the bill provides an appeal process for individualized determinations and a judicial review
- The bill also requires DHS and AHCCCS to review their rules and policies relating to behavioral health
- The bill also requires DHS and AHCCCS to review their rules and policies relating to behavioral health
- Madam with the members, Senate Bill 1205 creates motor vehicle booting rules for cities, towns, and motor
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and memorials across several policy areas, with most items presented as consent or third-read measures and little debate. Topics included special license plates for the Arizona Space Commission, local land-use and housing restrictions, liquor regulation updates, limits on municipal delays in permitting and exactions, election equipment security and timekeeping requirements, precinct committeeman vacancy procedures, assisted living and deed-fraud measures, a Freedom of Speech Monument committee, renaming Wesley Bolin Plaza, and a ban on gender transition procedures for minors. Members also discussed health and human services bills on behavioral health technician standards, Medicaid billing during ownership changes, breast cancer screening cost-sharing, naturopathic IV administration authority, safe-haven newborn surrender at hospitals, and access claim-processing timelines.
The Judiciary portion covered probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, a civil cause of action related to prohibited gender reassignment surgery on minors, elimination of the statute of limitations for failure to register as a sex offender, probation incentive calculations, victim-rights expense recovery, unlawful flight penalties, vulnerable adult theft definitions, motor fuel theft, unlawful alerting, and evidence rules in sexual-assault-related hearings. In discussion, members asked for clarifications on several bills, including the definitions of “malicious” delay, internet access on election equipment, the scope of the breast screening bill, and the meaning of unlawful alerting. Supporters repeatedly described bills as common-sense, fraud-prevention, patient-access, or public-safety measures, while one member noted a no vote on extending the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee.
Additional measures in land, agriculture, water, public safety, and transportation included foreign-entity restrictions on land transactions, limits on transporting Mexican gray wolf puppies, water reuse and groundwater fee extensions, a larger water supply revolving fund loan cap, congressional memorials on EPA authority and the San Carlos irrigation project, expanded traumatic event counseling coverage, reimbursement of legal costs for certain disciplined law enforcement officers, data sharing with the federal government on unauthorized aliens, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting rules, military-property sign placement, a towing and impound study committee, photo enforcement penalties, and highway renaming memorials. No roll-call votes were described in the transcript, and the meeting ended after the transportation items and memorials were completed.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 22, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- about yesterday as well is that the basis of an orderly society is that we have respect for our judicial
- system, and law enforcement is there to protect the integrity of the judicial system.
- If we have a rules-based order. If we don't have a rules-based order, everything is allowed.
- Either we are going to follow the rules and the rules apply to everybody or they don't.