Transcript Highlights:

• Committee members, House Bill 3499 allows special judges to hear applications for title matters.

Bills: HB3183, HB2999, HB3787, HB3499, HJR1023

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, nondisclosure agreements, public officials, transparency, government accountability, utility infrastructure, election, qualified elector, municipal office, school board, registration requirements, HB3499, special judge, special judges, court jurisdiction

Summary: The committee heard several measures and adopted PCS versions as working drafts before taking action. H.J.R. 1023, the biennial workers’ compensation fee schedule resolution, was presented as a vehicle to keep the schedule alive while the updated rates were still pending from the federal side due to the shutdown; it passed 8-0. House Bill 2999, which would prohibit requiring public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements, drew discussion about whether it should be broadened to cover litigation outcomes and other government transparency issues. The author agreed to strike the title and continue working on the language, and the bill passed 8-0 with the title stricken. House Bill 3788, as amended in PCS-2, would require officeholders to be U.S. citizens; members questioned whether the bill should also bar non-citizens from certain appointments, with examples raised about local boards and temporary appointments. The author said the intent was to focus on elected office, the Election Board assistant secretary said the bill reflected that intent, and the committee voted 9-1 to report it do pass, with the title still stricken for further work. The committee also advanced House Bill 3499, which allows special judges to hear applications for title matters, on a 10-0 vote. House Bill 3183, described by its author as a cost-saving measure related to electrical transmission infrastructure and protecting ratepayers from large loads, also passed 10-0. Throughout the meeting, members frequently used motions to adopt PCS drafts, move bills, and strike titles where language was still being refined before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see that you've found the three-judge panel.
• I have a lot of support from Judge Cliff Brown.
• I think two hours for judges is important, because we had judges that wanted to be here today.
• But they can't because they're judging.
• retired judges come in.

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• The family code says shall set a hearing the judge a judge shall set a hearing.
• However, the judge judge decided to take my rights away in specific terms.
• a judge had to serve before they could be eligible to be a visiting judge.
• Thanks for sticking around, Judge. Members, any questions for Judge Herman?
• Thank you, Judge.

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, even with this increase, our judges, of which we have on a per capita basis more judges than
• In fact, they will be paid in the top third of all judges throughout the United States.
• , does it include all of the judges in the state of Louisiana?
• Texas has actual gold and a special fund for them.
• Texas has actual gold and a special fund for them.

Bills: HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking away judges.
• We're taking away judges.
• It's the special fund in St.
• A judge controls his courtroom.
• A judge controls his courtroom.

Bills: HB29, HB39, HB77, HB153, HB183, HB211, HB263, HB299, HB324, HB519, HB520, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB805, HB823, HB1004, HB1011, HB1018

Keywords: insurance fund, retired employees, Ascension Parish, court clerks, premium costs, investment advisory board, HB 39, Act 283, peace officer, law enforcement officer, police certification, citizenship requirement, U.S. citizen, United States citizen, naturalization, lawful permanent resident, green card holder, immigration, public safety, law enforcement hiring

Transcript Highlights:

• , I could stay on. ...as a judge, I could stay on maybe to be like 75 or 80, like the clerks, if you
• , an issue that has a direct impact on judges who have served in the military and would provide them
• , an issue that has a direct impact on judges who have served in the military and would provide them
• of the statute would have been for time that the judge served in the military, not on the bench.
• Thank you for taking this up, Judge, and I hope, Mr.

Bills: S3044, S3031, S3017, H5189, H5246, H5297, H5248, H5359

Keywords: retirement benefits, teachers' retirement system, creditable service, public education, emergency law, sick leave bank, leave donation, personal days, vacation days, extended illness leave bank, public employee, county sheriff, Worcester County Sheriff's Office, personnel bill, employee leave, disability leave, illness leave, compassionate leave, Massachusetts public service, police recruitment

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 20th hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony limited to three minutes and written testimony accepted by email or mail. The committee heard several retirement-related proposals and individual hardship cases, including a bill for Jason Patrici (H5246) seeking creditable service for prior Vermont correctional and probation work so he could retire earlier and join his wife in Wales. Rep. Sabadosa supported the bill, and committee members asked light questions about his plans and service history. The committee also heard from Beverly Police Chief John Lachillard and Rep. Hannah Bowman on a bill to allow the chief to remain in service beyond the usual retirement age. Bowman said the language had been worked on with House Counsel to include an age cap and health-exam provisions, and members discussed ensuring the bill matched recent precedent and would not run into administrative problems. The chief said he wanted to stay one or two more years to help with a smooth transition and turn the department over in good shape. Another major topic was House Bill 5359 and Senate Bill 3800, supported by Massachusetts Judges Conference President and District Court Judge Dan DeLorati, to provide judges equitable access to military creditable service. He explained that the 2012 Heroes Act was intended to give judges the same military buyback benefits as other state employees, but the State Retirement Board had denied the benefit because judicial pensions are calculated differently. Committee members generally agreed with the policy goal but emphasized the need to get the statutory language right. The committee also heard from educator Alex Seminello, who described a dispute with MTRS over buying back Rhode Island service after the system had accepted over $100,000 and initially approved the purchase; he asked the committee to require MTRS to honor its agreement. Senator Montigny later spoke in strong support of that petition. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you're a judge, it takes time to understand the process of being a judge.
• </c> another judge. another judge.
• or a per diem judge.
• </c> judge and the selection of the new judge judge and the selection of the new judge could<00:30:36.320
• </c> judge, the attorneys know they're new. judge, the attorneys know they're new.

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Guy Herman, Judge Herman, and Ed Heimlich. Mr. Herman, Judge Herman, and Ed Heimlich.
• Judge Herman, I have you here on behalf of the statutory probate judges of Texas and yourself registered
• Okay, thank you, Judge. Members, any questions for Judge Herman?
• , statutory county court judges, associate judges, master referees, and magistrate judges.
• These judges don't need to pay his college...

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence heard testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would clarify that the comptroller is responsible for distributing excess judicial fund payments back to statutory probate courts. Judge Guy Herman testified in support, saying the bill would help ensure probate courts receive funding they are entitled to, while Ed Heimlich testified against the bill with broad criticism of probate courts and judicial practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2933, which would add elder abuse training to required judicial education for several categories of judges and judicial officers; Dr. Bruce Hargrave supported the bill, citing the prevalence and underreporting of elder abuse and the need for judges to recognize warning signs. No votes were taken on either of those bills, and SB 2933 was left pending. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 38, an eviction-related bill, and Vice Chair Hayes described two agreed floor amendments: one limiting the summary disposition procedure to forcible entry and detainer cases involving squatters, and another requiring a notice to pay rent or vacate for tenants who had been timely payers but missed a payment. After discussion, the committee voted 6-4 to report SB 38 without amendments. The committee also adopted or advanced a series of other bills and resolutions, including SB 293, SB 1141, SB 1448, SB 1536, SB 1558, SB 1838, SB 1940, SB 2127, SB 53, SB 251, SB 311, SB 387, SB 441 (with a substitute), SB 1164, SB 1335, SB 1574 (with a substitute), SB 1719, SB 1760, SB 1839, SB 1923 (with a substitute), SB 2807, and SJR 27 (with a substitute). Most measures were reported favorably on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few close votes on SB 942, SB 311, SB 2807, and SJR 27. SB 942, relating to retroactive child support beginning at conception, initially failed 5-5 but was reconsidered and then passed 6-5. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Herman, Judge Herman, and Ed Heimlich. Good morning. I'm Guy Herman. Hold on, Judge.
• Judge Herman, I have you here on behalf of the statutory probate judges of Texas and yourself registered
• Okay, thank you, Judge. Members, any questions for Judge Herman?
• , statutory county court judges, associate judges, master referees, and magistrate judges.
• These judges don't need to pay his college...

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> increase the number of associate judges increase the number of associate judges on<00:05:17.600>
• In January 2024, after our chief judge went to the Supreme Court, and we went back down to six judges
• judge uh for the judiciary.
• </c> can't get there without another judge. can't get there without another judge.
• </c> 22446 on the extra judge. 22446 on the extra judge.

Bills: SB2444, SB2446, SB2450, SB2453, SB2461, SB2457, SB2462, SB2313, SB2528, SB2532, SB2571, SB2678, SB2529

Keywords: real property, exemption, attachment, execution, consumer protection, financial security, inflation adjustment, head of family, senior citizens, Intermediate Court of Appeals, judges, Hawaii judiciary, court membership, legal system, presidential preference primary, elections, political parties, Hawaii voting, 2028 election, voting

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• beer, wine,... and allow for the sale of beer, wine, and liquor produced elsewhere to be sold for special
• that's not made at this distillery that's sold in that area will be done in a restaurant or for a special
• special events, and we have a large facility here.
• Special big events to locate or come to the facility enhances the tourism aspect of it.
• is very interested in is the ability to sell outside beer and wine that we don't have to make for special

Bills: SB312, SB316, SB90

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, special event license, special events retail license, nonprofit special events retail license, special retail license, event storage license, government venue license, alcohol storage, alcohol transfer, beer, wine, liquor, on-premises consumption, public venue, government-owned property, municipal property, county property, state property

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, just so you're all aware, right now today, any active county judge, district judge, or federal
• judge has an expedited license to carry.
• And we allowed retired federal judges and district attorneys to come in.
• and retired district judges.
• However, I think a judge can still exclude it. Under this, could the judge still exclude it?

Bills: HB259, HB 1128, HB1337, HB1506, HB1794, HB2215, HB2470, HB2771, HB2882, HB2993, HB3053, HB3428, HB3669, HB3789, HB3924, HB4201, HB4675, HB259

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety, Texas law, short-barrel, law enforcement, election judges, concealed handgun, polling places

Transcript Highlights:

• The county judges can carry now.
• Yeah, I'm pretty sure that the county judges, district judges, county clerks, prosecutors, county attorneys
• Many counties in Texas hold joint primaries where we have one judge for one party and one judge for the
• House Bill 3789 provides parity for statutory probate judges along with active and retired judges who
• She was also a statutory county judge and a state district judge as well.

Bills: HB259, HB259, HB 1128, HB1337, HB1506, HB1794, HB2215, HB2470, HB2771, HB2882, HB2993, HB3053, HB3428, HB3669, HB3789, HB3924, HB4201, HB4675

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation, healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety

Bills: SB 302, SB 1335, SB 1734, SB 1760, SB 1975, SB 2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, guardianship, incapacitated persons, guardianship fees

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, this is a pretty special one.
• This is our special license plates omnibus bill. You for questions and questions on the bill.
• Yes, it goes in, you know, Oklahoma, that people pay extra for these special license plates, and so that's

Bills: HB3147, HB4299, HB4265, HB4266

Keywords: special license plates, Route 66, Oklahoma, funding, community support, memorial, infrastructure, transportation, Toby Keith, road designation, highway, bridge, license plates, Oklahoma State Beekeepers Association, higher education, special interest, vehicle registration, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ARE THERE BILLS ON THE SPECIAL ORDER CALENDAR? NONE ON THE DESK, MR. SPEAKER.
• Speaker Perez: MEMBERS, ON JANUARY 13, WHEN THE GOVERNOR ISSUED A PROCLAMATION CALLING US INTO A SPECIAL
• WE HAVE CONVENED A SPECIAL SESSION AS SURGICALLY AS POSSIBLE.
• WE WILL BE ON THE FLOOR ON THURSDAY AT NOON FOR SPECIAL ORDER. FINAL PASSAGE.

Keywords: illegal immigration, special session, budget committee

Summary: The Florida House of Representatives convened for a special session on February 11-14 to address illegal immigration legislation. Speaker Perez announced they would consider two bills and a memorial filed the previous night, with committee meetings scheduled for Wednesday and final passage on Thursday. The Speaker emphasized the legislature's role as equal participants rather than recipients of instructions, describing their approach as aggressive in combating illegal immigration while being thoughtful in methods. The session was designed to be surgical and efficient, bypassing the normal committee process except for Budget Committee review.

Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4

Keywords: school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments, through-year assessment, diagnostic reports, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plans

Summary: The Senate briefly convened and received a message from the House stating that the House was taking a vote. No bills, motions, or substantive policy matters were discussed in the exchange. Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate then adjourned until 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• And as this second special...
• Last special.
• The Attorney General's litigation team in the three-judge federal panel.
• And then we have a special session.
• The second special session got rid of the reference to the DOJ letter.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• They said that these race-based considerations from these special districts were created, making them
• So if a three-judge panel looks at these, there's going to be a lawsuit; we know that.
• What if that three-judge panel says that race was a consideration? Then you erred, I guess.
• During these special sessions, they have done so at my request.
• When we laid out the rules on the first special session, I mentioned Mr. Kincaid.

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments