Video & Transcript Research : 'judging'
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ND
Transcript Highlights:
- You also have told judges that for most Class C felonies and Class A misdemeanors, the judge has to sentence
- You also have told judges that for most Class C felonies and Class A misdemeanors, the judge has to sentence
- It's a fentanyl trafficking case where the judge can do whatever the judge wants to do.
- That means a victim isn't sure, and the judge after, or a jury after a judge gives the time, they're
- Because the judge said 10 years.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Responsibilities that judges have to carry out, all the limitations that you have put on judges, the
- The judge... The judge could have done any of these 14 alternatives in the case.
- It's a fentanyl trafficking case where the judge can do whatever the judge wants to do.
- So that means a victim isn't sure, and the judge after, or a jury after a judge gives the time, they're
- Because the judge said 10 years.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations.
The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute.
Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees.
Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- judge.
- judge.
- , and a magistrate judge.
- Federal justices and judges should be protected the same as state court justices and judges.
- judges have been attacked.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen Vaden, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary, and Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Agriculture. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm confident that Judge Vaden and Mr.
- As a judge on the U.S.
- I think the judge laid it out perfectly.
- My first question is going to be for Judge Vaden.
- might come before me as a judge is good or bad.
Keywords:
USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Like, my judges are happy when it'll go.
- The judges still appoint you, so they are still your boss.
- It is a effective tool for judges.
- The judges of Montgomery County want to get it right.
- court judge.
Bills:
SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371
Keywords:
county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Not prevent judges, and oftentimes these juvenile judges try to implement those types of things.
- Not prevent judges, and oftentimes these juvenile judges try to implement those types of things.
- It also... ...assigned to another judge if there are more than two judges in your district.
- They still have the ability to get a judge trial, and they could keep the same judge if the prosecutor
- So if I do not like the judge I am in front of and I have three judges, I now have a 50-50 chance of
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Booseberg is the chief judge of the U.S.
- These judges are harassment of judges.
- They're judges. District judges. Said this in committee.
- They're judges. of the executive branch. They're judges. District<06:08:09.240>
judges. - They're judges. District judges. Said this in committee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under current Texas law, judges may declare a mistrial in a felony.
- A trial judge can declare a mistrial for virtually any reason or no reason at all.
- We had a judge who granted or who declared, unilaterally declared a mistrial.
- We could be telling the judge, "Don't do this. This is not manifest necessity."
- And when I approached... ...The judge, the state called, asked the judge if they could have a moment.
Bills:
HB 115, HB507, HB1765, HB1847, HB2046, HB2239, HB2328, HB2309, HB2417, HB2728, HB2794, HB3206, HB3566, HB3694, HB3744, HB4254, HB4697, HB4733, HB4915, HB5465, HB2813, HB115
Keywords:
habeas corpus, postconviction, criminal procedure, indigent defense, scientific evidence, legal representation, judicial power, capital felony, criminal law, death penalty, attorney qualification, training standards, law enforcement, no-knock warrant, search warrant, peace officer, attorney workload, criminal justice, caseload limits, fair representation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Kelly, administrative judge of the family court, proposed an amendment in the Senate to repeal
- <04:05:59.319>
is the facade of being a judge is the facade of being a judge is maintained - judge the judge signing such judge the judge signing such recommendations<04:06:35.080>
so of <04:06:48.120>the judge uh administrative judge of the judge uh administrative judge- It's an oxymoronic statement. judges are not judges and these are not judges are not judges and these
Summary:
The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern.
The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments.
The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Gloria Lopez and Judge Victor Trevino, we want to recognize those folks.
- It's my honor and privilege to recognize our Travis County judges, Judge Selena Alvarenga.
- Judge Denise Hernandez, Judge Carlos Barrera, Judge Karen.
- We have Judge Antonia Arteaga. Judge David Rodriguez. Judge Marisa Fajardo.
- We also have Judges from Nueces County, Judge Gina Benavides and Justice Dori Contreras.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I think you guys should keep him as a judge.
- should keep him as a judge. should keep him as a judge. All<00:07:01.600>
right. - present his case to a trial judge. present his case to a trial judge.
- If confirmed as a judge, I will continue to do so.
- Follow follow the law and judge. Yes.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association.
Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification.
Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/18/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- 2022 retired Juno County Wisconsin Judge 2022 retired Juno County Wisconsin Judge John<01:14:39.199
- Thank you, Judge. Thank you.
- and we just heard from a chief judge and we just heard from a chief judge expresses<01:18:39.719
- 01:18:57.600>
I'm you're watching judge you know who I'm you're watching judge you know who I'm - than the federal law so our chief judge than the federal law so our chief judge might<01:21:54.960
Keywords:
veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Herman? Oh, Judge, I'm sorry we didn't have you on this one. Well, come on.
- , I mean, sue the judge for gross negligence.
- Any questions for Judge Herman? Dean, anything? Thank you, Judge. Thank you, Judge.
- But after speaking with Judge Herman and the probate judges, they did need the original will to go with
- But after speaking with Judge Herman and the probate judges, they did need the original will to go with
Keywords:
judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending.
Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending.
The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Judge Char has been an active member of her community.
- <00:10:25.760>
worked her judgeship in 2020, the judge worked her judgeship in 2020, the judge - <00:10:54.640>
Judge in district and traffic court. Judge in district and traffic court. - Judge Char, please stand and be recognized.
- [applause] Judge Char would like to recognize her guests.
Bills:
HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169
Keywords:
HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Circuit, Judge Ward of Campbell Circuit, Judge Ashlock of Hardin County Circuit, I'm sorry, Judge Gabhart
- , Judge Shoemaker from Bracken, Fleming, Mason, as well as Judge Ward out of Madison, Clark, and Judge
- <00:21:21.120>
who suggestion of the judges who suggestion of the judges who participated< - Circuit, Judge Judge Ward of Campbell Circuit, Judge Ash<00:21:28.080>
Ash <00:21:28.080>Ashlock - Todd Circuit, Judge Ralph of of Logan Todd Circuit, Judge Ralph of Kenton<00:21:39.280>
Family
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages noting passage of House Bills 1, 422, 568, and 627, and heard second-reading reports for several measures, including bills on the state dog breed, mortgage loan income limits, virtual currency kiosks, agriculture, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Committee reports also advanced a number of bills from Appropriations and Revenue, Health and Services, Natural Resources and Energy, and State and Local Government, with many sent to the Rules Committee for further action. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on transportation, tobacco/nicotine/vapor products, Public Schools Week, and honoring Joseph H. Mattingley Jr.; the Rules Committee later posted several bills for the next day and committee referrals were announced.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 98, relating to welding safety. The sponsor explained that the bill requires inspections by American Welding Society-certified personnel on certain projects where those standards apply, citing a prior school structure collapse in Kentucky as the public-safety rationale. After debate, the bill passed by a vote of 33-4. The chamber next considered Senate Bill 122, which updates alternative sentencing law to allow judges to consider caregiving responsibilities when sentencing defendants. A floor amendment, developed with input from judges, broadened and clarified the caretaker definition and moved the language into the existing sentencing statute while preserving judicial discretion. Supporters said the bill is intended to help keep families together without mandating probation or reducing penalties; after the amendment was adopted, the bill passed 35-2.
Later, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 57 honoring Father Patrick McDow on his ordination, and Senate Resolution 60 was read in full to honor the YMCA on its 175th anniversary in the United States, highlighting the organization’s history and Kentucky service. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including a special Health Services Committee meeting on artificial intelligence in rural health, and other committee schedules. The session concluded with the Senate in recess for committee meetings and then returning to report additional committee referrals and announcements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/04/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- homes which Judge individual judges homes which Judge Fritz<00:03:24.720>
will <00:03:24.959>< - We have 30 judges and one referee. I have been a judge for 12 years.
- Where does the judge park? Where does the judge live?
- judge park? Where does the judge live? judge park? Where does the judge live?
- was um Judge Chuck Weber and Judge Weber was um Judge Chuck Weber and Judge Weber put<01:18:20.159
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She said, 'I hate Judge Deed. She's the most insecure judge.
- What this is doing is allowing for the judges with DCAC to ensure that these and For the judges with
- So if a judge knew somebody had the financial resources to pay for this, the judge could already require
- That was not reported to the court or to the judge. My judge had no way of knowing.
- We have judges that only do special ed, or we have a set of judges that do special ed law, and they attend
Keywords:
sentencing, correctional facilities, multiple sentences, death penalty, aggravating circumstances, juvenile offenses, class 2 felony, foreign donations, election administration, certification, Arizona Revised Statutes, transparency, public disclosure, victims' rights, attorney fees, government accountability, right to counsel, legal representation, parents' rights, family law
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and then took up several election, family court, and criminal justice bills. SB 1425, the “big bill,” would move Arizona’s 2026 primary election date earlier and adjust related election administration timelines; the chair’s amendment moved the primary to July 21 and removed the shortened curing/ID deadlines. County officials testified in support, explaining the timing changes and the need to align dates, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. SB 1289, dealing with certifications for entities providing money or resources for election administration and foreign funding disclosures, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from supporters arguing it would block foreign influence in election administration and ballot issue spending. The committee later heard SCR 1013, a related resolution that would more directly prohibit foreign-source money for election administration and ballot measures; the sponsor and supporters said it was similar to SB 1289 but broader, and testimony focused on foreign money flowing through nonprofit networks.
The committee then considered SB 1326, which would allow courts to award attorney fees and costs to victims when a party violates or worsens a victim’s rights. A victim’s attorney testified that the bill would provide needed accountability and guidance, while opponents argued the term “exacerbates” was vague and that existing remedies already exist. The committee approved SB 1326 on a 4-3 vote. SB 1402, requiring courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to cover electronic monitoring costs, drew support from the sponsor and advocates who said offenders should pay for monitoring, and opposition from defense attorneys who warned it could burden indigent probationers and divert money from treatment; it also received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation.
The most extensive debate was on SB 1330, which would allow a parent in certain custody cases to request a jury trial on parenting time or legal decision-making. Supporters, including several parents, described costly and traumatic family court experiences and argued a jury would provide a neutral check on judges and court-appointed professionals. County and court representatives opposed the bill, saying family cases require specialized judicial expertise, jury trials would delay urgent matters, increase costs, and risk confidentiality. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. The committee also approved SB 1328, which declares state policy favoring parental rights and a child’s equal access to both co-parents, after adopting an amendment adding legislative intent language. Finally, SB 1329, which would let parents sue court-appointed professionals who deviate from professional ethics or standards in custody matters, passed 4-3 after testimony from parents and advocates who said court appointees lack accountability, while opponents said existing malpractice and licensing remedies already address misconduct.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Pamela de Medina, Judge Gloria Lopez, and Judge Victor Trevino.
- It's my honor and privilege to recognize our Travis County judges Judge Selena Alvarenga, Justice Rosa
- Lopez Theofani, Judge Randy Ortega, Judge Denise Hernandez, Judge Carlos Barrera, Judge Karen Crump,
- Bear County representing we have Judge Antonia Arteaga. Judge David Rodriguez. Judge Marisa Flores.
- We also have, uh, judges from Nueces County, uh, Judge Gina Benavidez and Justice Dori Contreras.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 02:04 pm
House Consumer & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The judge has some leeway in that respect.
- It's not meant to bind judges' decisions, but we do see judges deferring to the tool quite a bit.
- I mean, judges can't rely on that at all.
- If the judge wants evidence from the prosecutor, the judge can ask for it.
- If the judge wants evidence from the prosecutor, the judge can ask for it.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, my first question is on the non-magistrate judges.
- Our question is on the non-magistrate judges.
- They come into the position at a much younger age than judges do.
- Most judges have to be a minimum of 35 years to start the job.
- married to a judge.