Committee Summary for House Judiciary (02/13/2026)

Lynn, Bob(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Kuttab, Katelyn(Clerk)(R)[B]2025	Mannion, Dennis(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Smith, Marjorie(D)[F]2025	Bergeron, Dan(D)[F]2025	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
Berch, Paul(D)[F]2025	Turer, Eric(D)[F]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Tripp, Richard(R)[B]2025	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2025
Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025	Rombeau, Catherine(D)[CT]2025	Paige, Mark(D)[D-]2025

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
CACR27 00:10:25.920 - 9:08:11 AM	Executive Session	relating to the authority to establish courts Provided that the sole authority lies within the general court.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1064 00:11:31.600 - 9:09:17 AM	Executive Session	relative to liability of governmental units.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[B]2025
HB1702 00:13:47.040 - 9:11:33 AM	Executive Session	relative to notice requirements and enforcement for pharmacies dispensing medications intended to induce chemical abortions.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1769 00:15:41.600 - 9:13:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to certain prohibitions on abortion referrals by publicly funded medical facilities.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1801 00:17:47.200 - 9:15:33 AM	Executive Session	relative to causes of action for wrongful detention, drug forfeiture proceedings, the regulation of law enforcement officers, and the offense of unsworn falsification.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HR28 00:18:59.520 - 9:16:45 AM	Executive Session	requesting the opinion of the justices clarifying the scope of the state's constitutional obligations concerning education.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HR29 00:20:14.559 - 9:18:00 AM	Executive Session	requesting an opinion of the justices on the scope of part II, article 4 of the New Hampshire constitution, as well as other related articles.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1233 00:22:28.000 - 9:20:14 AM	Executive Session	relative to the minutes of non-public sessions.	Beaulier, Calvin(R)[A+]2025
HB1260 2024-0693h 00:24:06.400 - 9:21:52 AM	Executive Session	relative to marriage registration forms and delayed certificates of marriage.	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
HB1276 00:32:18.240 - 9:30:04 AM	Executive Session	relative to the liability for death of a companion animal.	Corcoran, Travis(R)[A-]2025
HB1283 00:33:29.600 - 9:31:15 AM	Executive Session	relative to the use of face recognition technology.	Scherr, Buzz(D)[D-]2025
HB1292 00:34:41.679 - 9:32:27 AM	Executive Session	expanding the right to try act to include certain qualifying severe illness and permitting certain regenerative stem cell therapies under the act.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1297 00:36:59.520 - 9:34:45 AM	Executive Session	relative to property owned pursuant to the public trust doctrine.	Newsom, James(D)[CT]2025
HB1313 01:06:47.680 - 10:04:33 AM	Executive Session	repealing buffer zones for reproductive health care facilities.	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]2025
HB1356 01:11:28.719 - 10:09:14 AM	Executive Session	relative to the statute of limitations for bringing a private right of action for violation of the statute prohibiting medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor's gender.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB127 01:14:26.960 - 10:12:12 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) extending the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut Lakes headwaters working forest property.	Ouellet, Mike(R)[B]2025
CACR29 01:16:22.560 - 10:14:08 AM	Executive Session	Relating to the supreme court. Providing that the supreme court may not make rules that have the force and effect of law.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1 01:33:21.679 - 10:31:07 AM	Executive Session	making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[A-]2025
HB1032 01:35:29.360 - 10:33:15 AM	Executive Session	creating an exception to physical attendance and quorum requirements under the right-to-know law for individuals with disabilities and individuals caring for a household member with disabilities.	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
HB1115 2026-190h 01:42:48.080 - 10:40:34 AM	Executive Session	adding a definition of citizen of New Hampshire.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1116 01:49:10.560 - 10:46:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to judicial privilege and relative to the litigation of small claims.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1631 0713h 01:53:07.360 - 10:50:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to the contents of the attorney general's annual report detailing state forfeiture information for the preceding fiscal year.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1631 0713h 02:00:37.199 - 10:58:23 AM	Executive Session	relative to the contents of the attorney general's annual report detailing state forfeiture information for the preceding fiscal year.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1634 02:03:14.639 - 11:01:00 AM	Executive Session	establishing state court remedies for violations of state and federal law by federal employees.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB1292 02:05:19.679 - 11:03:05 AM	Executive Session	expanding the right to try act to include certain qualifying severe illness and permitting certain regenerative stem cell therapies under the act.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1665 696h 02:06:15.360 - 11:04:01 AM	Executive Session	relative to the issuance of subpoenas in administrative proceedings.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1684 02:13:04.880 - 11:10:50 AM	Executive Session	establishing a free speech advisory commission.	Beauchemin, Paige(D)[F]2025
CACR23 02:15:22.560 - 11:13:08 AM	Executive Session	relative to legislative oversight of the judicial branch. establishing legislative oversight of the judicial branch.	DeRoy, Susan(R)[A-]2025
HR38 03:11:53.520 - 12:09:39 PM	Executive Session	authorizing and directing the house judiciary committee to investigate whether cause exists for the impeachment of any justice of the New Hampshire supreme court.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025
CACR23 03:23:11.040 - 12:20:57 PM	Executive Session	relative to legislative oversight of the judicial branch. establishing legislative oversight of the judicial branch.	DeRoy, Susan(R)[A-]2025

CACR27: Representative Alexander Vote00:10:25.920 - 9:08:11 AM; Moved to ITL on CACR27, seconded by Representative Andress. No discussion followed.
HB1064: Representative Couture Vote00:11:31.600 - 9:09:17 AM; Moved to Ought to Pass on HB 1064, seconded by Representative Manion. Passed 17-0 on consent.
HB1702: Representative Manos Vote00:13:47.040 - 9:11:33 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1702, seconded by Representative Berserker. Passed 17-0 on consent.
HB1769: Representative Manos Vote00:15:41.600 - 9:13:27 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1769, seconded by Representative Manion. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HB1801: Representative Manion Vote00:17:47.200 - 9:15:33 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1801, seconded by Representative Trip. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HR28: Chairman Lynn Vote00:18:59.520 - 9:16:45 AM; Moved to ITL on HR 28, seconded by Representative Trip. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HR29: Chairman Lynn Vote00:20:14.559 - 9:18:00 AM; Moved to ITL on HR 29, seconded by Representative Andrews. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HB1233: Representative Couture Vote00:22:28.000 - 9:20:14 AM; Moved to Ought to Pass on HB 1233, seconded by Representative Alexander. Passed 17-1 on consent.
HB1260 2024-0693h: Representative Alexander Vote00:24:06.400 - 9:21:52 AM; Moved Ought to Pass with amendment 2024-0693h, confirmed identical to Representative Han's amendment. Amendment passed 17-1. Main motion OTPA passed 17-1 on consent. Noted concerns about filing fee for delayed marriage certificate.
HB1260 2024-0693h: Representative Tur Information Only00:29:22.559 - 9:27:08 AM; Echoed concerns about the filing fee being levied on the wrong party.
HB1260 2024-0693h: Representative Smith Information Only00:31:32.080 - 9:29:18 AM; Noted that marriage certificates may be provided for free by Secretary of State, suggesting Senate consideration.
HB1276: Representative Perez Vote00:32:18.240 - 9:30:04 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1276, seconded by Representative Scully. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HB1283: Representative Burch Vote00:33:29.600 - 9:31:15 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1283, noting prime sponsor wants more work. Seconded by Representative Smith. Passed 18-0 on consent.
HB1292: Representative Alexander Vote00:34:41.679 - 9:32:27 AM; Moved to Interim Study on HB 1292, seconded. Passed 17-1, not on consent due to objection. Plans floor amendment.
HB1292: Representative McFarland Oppose00:35:59.280 - 9:33:45 AM; Voted no on interim study.
HB1297: Chairman Lynn Vote00:36:59.520 - 9:34:45 AM; Moved to ITL on HB 1297, seconded by Representative Perez. Brief explanation that the bill aims to extend prohibition on the doctrine.
HB1297: Representative (unnamed) Oppose00:38:22.480 - 9:36:08 AM; The representative expresses concern over the lack of information on the bill, which extends adverse possession protections to publicly owned and nonprofit property. They argue more testimony is needed on implications, especially for nonprofits like the NRA or Planned Parenthood, and suggest voting ITL to allow further study next year.
HB1297: Representative Burch Support00:40:46.800 - 9:38:32 AM; Representative Burch interprets the bill as protecting public trust doctrine lands like tidal waters, lakes, and conservation areas from adverse possession claims by squatters. They argue it prevents individuals from claiming ownership after long-term unnoticed occupation and supports OTP.
HB1297: Representative McFarland Information Only00:42:19.200 - 9:40:05 AM; Representative McFarland questions Representative Burch on how the bill addresses boundary disputes, clouds on titles, and fencing issues that might affect historical boundaries. They express concern that it could question established property lines.
HB1297: Representative Burch (response) Information Only00:43:36.160 - 9:41:22 AM; In response, Representative Burch clarifies the bill only prevents adverse possession on confirmed public trust doctrine lands, not resolving disputes over whether land qualifies. They note existing law on fencing remains unchanged and quote 'good fences make good neighbors.'
HB1297: Representative Turn Support00:44:59.920 - 9:42:45 AM; Representative Turn views the bill through the lens of conservation land managed by towns or nonprofits, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring. They support the bill as important for protecting such lands from unmonitored encroachments.
HB1297: Representative (unnamed) Oppose00:46:09.599 - 9:43:55 AM; The representative highlights the bill's lack of definition for 'property owned pursuant to the public trust doctrine,' which might broadly include nonprofits. They distinguish between squatters and neighbor boundary disputes, arguing the equities differ and the bill needs refinement, suggesting ITL.
HB1297: Representative Smith Information Only00:48:21.119 - 9:46:07 AM; Representative Smith questions where the bill mentions nonprofits, and the unnamed representative recalls the sponsor's testimony referenced them, stressing the need for a definition.
HB1297: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:49:25.920 - 9:47:11 AM; An unnamed representative asks if the bill could be held for expert input, but notes the existing ITL motion. The motion originator offers interim study but proceeds with ITL.
HB1297: Chairman Lynn Vote00:50:32.160 - 9:48:18 AM; Chairman Lynn calls the roll on the ITL motion for HB 1297, resulting in 12 yes to 6 no.
HB1297: Chairman Lynn Information Only00:51:19.920 - 9:49:05 AM; Chairman Lynn announces the 12-6 vote for ITL, assigns the majority report, and notes a minority report for OTP.
HB1297: Representative Scully Support00:51:19.920 - 9:49:05 AM; Representative Scully moves that HB 1313 ought to pass, citing personal experience with buffer zones as a chilling effect on free speech, unconstitutionality based on a similar Massachusetts law, and arguing it increases violence by suppressing expression. They reference the Kleindienst decision and standing issues.
HB1297: Representative Burch Oppose00:52:29.920 - 9:50:15 AM; Representative Burch respects the faith aspect but emphasizes the bill as a safety measure balancing First Amendment rights with access to medical treatment. They note buffer zones are constitutional post-Kleindienst, upheld in courts, and exist at places like the Supreme Court, State House, and funerals to prevent harassment.
HB1297: Representative (Unnamed) Support00:56:41.280 - 9:54:27 AM; The speaker argues against repealing buffer zones at voting places and health clinics, emphasizing equal protection for all citizens, including women and men seeking health care. They note that buffer zones are content-neutral, applying to all protesters regardless of viewpoint, and reference Governor Sununu's veto of a similar bill due to no demonstrated harm.
HB1297: Representative Han Support00:59:17.359 - 9:57:03 AM; Representative Han provides information on Catholic teachings, stressing respect for others, the church's broader issues beyond abortion, and God's omnipresence allowing prayer from a distance. He affirms that existing public peace and obstruction laws would remain even if buffer zone statutes are repealed, and supports the buffer for physical separation.
HB1297: Representative (Pro-choice Republican) Oppose01:00:24.480 - 9:58:10 AM; The pro-choice Republican speaker opposes the buffer zone law, calling it unenforceable and unconstitutional as it interferes with free speech. They view opposition to repeal as a 'consolation prize' after Roe v. Wade's overturn and support the bill to repeal it.
HB1297: Representative Smith Oppose01:02:39.359 - 10:00:25 AM; Representative Smith counters that the issue predates Roe v. Wade and addresses documented violence near reproductive health facilities nationwide. They highlight that facilities like Planned Parenthood provide essential services to both men and women, and buffer zones prevent violence and hostility while respecting protest rights and personal health care access without interfering with prayer.
HB1313: Representative Scully Oppose01:06:47.680 - 10:04:33 AM; The speaker argues that no one has the right to stand in someone's face and attack their constitutional rights, and the bill does not ask anyone to change views but to allow women and men to enter reproductive rights facilities without fear of verbal or physical attack.
HB1313: Representative Perez Information Only01:07:36.640 - 10:05:22 AM; Representative Perez asks if there are other private entities protected by similar laws regarding boundaries, expressing ignorance on the matter.
HB1313: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:07:36.640 - 10:05:22 AM; The representative responds that while not sure about specific laws, police in New York City keep anti-Israel protesters a certain distance from synagogues for protection, similar to protecting people who wish to worship.
HB1313: Representative Lane Support01:08:53.839 - 10:06:39 AM; Representative Lane shares emotional testimony about witnessing screaming and intimidation near a clinic from her former office, stating that if people prayed silently without screaming, there wouldn't be a problem. She emphasizes the scariness of the situation, the woman's right to choose, and that repealing the law would set a dangerous precedent.
HB1313: Committee Chair Vote01:10:12.400 - 10:07:58 AM; The committee votes on the motion for Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB 1313, with 10 yes votes and 8 no votes. Representative Skully is assigned to write the majority, and Representative Smith the minority.
HB1356: Representative Perez Vote01:11:28.719 - 10:09:14 AM; Representative Perez moves to pass HB 1356, seconded by Representative Andrews. No testimony is heard, and the committee votes 10 yes to 8 no. Representative Perez writes the majority, and another representative the minority.
HB127: Committee Chair Information Only01:14:26.960 - 10:12:12 AM; The chair opens and immediately closes the executive session on HB 127, postponing it to the next meeting on February 25th for procedural reasons, and notes no need to formally call the session.
CACR29: Representative Koutab Oppose01:16:22.560 - 10:14:08 AM; Representative Koutab moves to pass and briefly explains that a key sentence was added to the constitutional amendment after the voters' guide and question, making it improperly adopted.
CACR29: Representative Burch Oppose01:17:13.120 - 10:14:59 AM; Representative Burch clarifies that the issue is not the past amendment's propriety but voting on abolishing the Supreme Court's authority to make rules with force of law. He argues this is essential for judicial independence, separation of powers, and avoiding chaos in court administration, citing historical precedents like Federalist 78.
CACR29: Representative Han Oppose01:18:43.600 - 10:16:29 AM; Representative Han notes the amendment passed in 1978, suggests researching its history from the constitutional convention, believes it clarified the court's power to punish rule-breakers, and will vote against it, expecting easy defeat in the House.
CACR29: Representative McFarland Support01:21:09.280 - 10:18:55 AM; Representative McFarland argues this is a separation of powers fix, not an issue, and distinguishes between separation of powers and bodies, countering claims of creating concern.
CACR29: Committee Chair Oppose01:22:13.040 - 10:19:59 AM; The chair acknowledges the ballot issue was inexcusable but explains that the rules would be enforceable regardless of the sentence, as courts have always enforced them. He details the 1978 amendment's purpose to consolidate rulemaking in the Supreme Court, historical turf battles, and balanced legislative oversight, voting no on OTP.
CACR29: Representative Skully Support01:29:17.520 - 10:27:03 AM; Representative Skully agrees with the chair's arguments but philosophically views the post-vote alteration of the amendment's language as voiding the contract with voters, likening it to altering a signed contract, and will vote for it on that basis.
CACR29: Representative McFarland Support01:30:14.080 - 10:28:00 AM; Representative McFarland clarifies support for the resolution does not deny courts' rulemaking but ensures the legislature can enact statutes on procedural aspects without constitutional bar, preventing judiciary from enacting laws.
CACR29: Committee Chair Vote01:32:31.920 - 10:30:17 AM; The committee votes on OTP for CACR 29, resulting in 9 yes to 9 no, passed without recommendation. Representative Koutab writes the majority report, and the chair the ITL report.
HB1: Committee Chair Vote01:33:21.679 - 10:31:07 AM; The chair moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1, seconded, with no discussion. The committee votes unanimously 18 yes.
HB1032: Representative Alexander Oppose01:35:29.360 - 10:33:15 AM; Representative Alexander moves ITL, arguing the bill is unnecessary as a citizen with a disability presented in person, showing effort is possible.
HB1032: Representative Perez Oppose01:36:30.320 - 10:34:16 AM; Representative Perez agrees the bill is not necessary, expressing mixed emotions but concluding against it.
HB1032: Representative Hort Support01:36:30.320 - 10:34:16 AM; As prime sponsor, Representative Hort emphasizes the bill's importance for the disabilities community, citing an example of a person unable to attend in person. He passes an amendment clarifying no requirement for remote options and urges passage for respectful participation, noting remote is better than none, especially for specialized boards.
HB1032: Representative Smith Support01:38:40.000 - 10:36:26 AM; Representative Smith supports as a modest proposal for community members to participate, noting the legislature is not under RSA 91-A but other entities are, and shares personal experience in the disabilities community, predicting all will eventually be part of it.
HB1032: Unidentified Speaker Support01:40:09.840 - 10:37:55 AM; The speaker emphasizes the importance of a democratic process allowing involvement with organizations making public decisions, even if individuals cannot attend in person. They argue that absence does not indicate lack of commitment, and presence at hearings does not represent the entire group. They highlight issues like mobility and related challenges, stating that denying remote participation would disrespect individuals' rights in society and community. They urge defeating the ITL motion and instead adopting OTPA with Representative Haran's amendment to clarify potential confusion.
HB1032: Representative Tur Information Only01:44:14.159 - 10:42:00 AM; The speaker offers brief information on the amendment, noting it modifies RSA 110-B:81 as requested by the Attorney General's office to reflect current practice regarding the New Hampshire Medal of Honor, ensuring no confusion or change in interpretation for potential recipients.
HB1032: Representative Lane Information Only01:45:13.119 - 10:42:59 AM; The speaker clarifies that the amendment is not a replace-all but simply inserts a paragraph into one statute to reflect the desired interpretation for the New Hampshire Medal of Honor, avoiding confusion.
HB1115 2026-190h: Representative McFarland Support01:42:48.080 - 10:40:34 AM; The representative moves to adopt amendment 2026-190h, which was handed out during the hearing, and provides introductory testimony on it.
HB1115 2026-190h: Representative Lane Information Only01:46:02.239 - 10:43:48 AM; The representative explains the amendment's purpose and content.
HB1116: Representative Trip Support01:49:10.560 - 10:46:56 AM; The representative moves OTP on the bill.
HB1631 0713h: Representative Scully Support01:53:07.360 - 10:50:53 AM; The representative moves Ought to Pass and discusses the bill's value in collecting additional information on civil asset forfeiture to better understand and oversee its use, preventing misuse. They note that 'we cannot oversee what we cannot see.'
HB1631 0713h: Representative Tur Support01:54:12.639 - 10:51:58 AM; The representative offers an amendment 0713h, explaining it modifies existing law and the bill to report forfeitures only in the fiscal year they are completed, making data more useful by avoiding multi-year overlaps. The amendment removes redundant or revealing items like estimated values, case numbers, counter claims, and property returned; adds 'if available' for ongoing cases; and includes the completion date of forfeiture proceedings. They emphasize the need for scrutiny of civil forfeiture due to potential perverse incentives.
HB1631 0713h: Representative Alexander Support01:56:21.360 - 10:54:07 AM; The representative supports the amendment as reasonable, addressing law enforcement concerns from the hearing and paring down the bill appropriately.
HB1631 0713h: Representative Burch Oppose01:59:40.880 - 10:57:26 AM; The representative acknowledges the amendment improves the original bill but opposes it, arguing that basic information like agency name, seizure date, criminal case end date, zip code, and offense could easily identify individuals involved via Google search.
HB1631 0713h: Committee Chair Information Only02:00:37.199 - 10:58:23 AM; The chair calls for a vote on amendment 0713h by show of hands, resulting in 16-2 in favor. No further testimony is heard.
HB1631 0713h: Committee Chair Information Only02:01:25.520 - 10:59:11 AM; The chair moves to the main motion for Ought to Pass As Amended (OTPA), seconded by Representative Tur. The roll is called, resulting in 13-5 in favor.
HB1631 0713h: Representative Scully Vote02:02:25.040 - 11:00:11 AM; Agrees to write the majority report, reviewing it in light of the amendment.
HB1631 0713h: Representative Burch Vote02:03:14.639 - 11:01:00 AM; Agrees to write the minority report.
HB1634: Representative Burch Vote02:03:14.639 - 11:01:00 AM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), seconded by Representative Alexander. No discussion; roll call results in 18-0 in favor. Agrees to write the report.
HB1634: Committee Chair Information Only02:04:32.320 - 11:02:18 AM; Confirms unanimous consent and assignment of report.
HB1292: Unidentified Representative Vote02:05:19.679 - 11:03:05 AM; Withdraws objection to allow HB 1292 to go on consent, with no report needed.
HB1292: Committee Chair Information Only02:05:19.679 - 11:03:05 AM; Acknowledges the withdrawal and places on consent.
HB1665 696h: Representative Coutab Support02:06:15.360 - 11:04:01 AM; Moves amendment 696h, which narrows the scope to administrative hearings only and adds RSA 516:5 regarding payment for witnesses. Explains the changes to limit subpoena powers.
HB1665 696h: Unidentified Representative Oppose02:10:26.000 - 11:08:12 AM; Expresses concerns about weaponization risks of subpoena power, potential to disrupt administrative hearings based on prior testimony from the Office of Legislative Services.
HB1665 696h: Representative Burch Oppose02:10:26.000 - 11:08:12 AM; Opposes the bill, calling it the 'Freedom to Subpoena Act' that could turn hearings into 'civil warfare' by granting unlimited subpoena powers without supervision, viewing it as big government overreach.
HB1665 696h: Committee Chair Vote02:09:13.360 - 11:06:59 AM; Moves Ought to Pass As (OTPA), seconded. Amendment passes 18-0 unanimously. Main motion passes 10-8. Offers to write majority report.
HB1665 696h: Unidentified Representative Vote02:13:04.880 - 11:10:50 AM; Agrees to write the minority report.
HB1684: Representative Ball Vote02:13:04.880 - 11:10:50 AM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), seconded by Representative Alexander. Passes 18-0 unanimously on consent.
HB1684: Committee Chair Information Only02:13:04.880 - 11:10:50 AM; Notes the prime sponsor's request to remove but proceeds with ITL motion.
CACR23: Committee Chair Information Only02:15:22.560 - 11:13:08 AM; Recesses the committee until 1:00 p.m. to handle remaining matters, including CACR 23, and explains recusal from the vote due to prior judicial role, personal knowledge of subjects, and public perception concerns to maintain impartiality and avoid bias allegations. Notes the committee will act as a grand jury in an impeachment inquiry.
CACR23: Unidentified Representative Information Only02:16:41.760 - 11:14:27 AM; Asks for clarification on the chair's recusal as a legislator, acknowledging the former judicial role but questioning its necessity.
CACR23: Unidentified Representative Support02:18:51.519 - 11:16:37 AM; Respects the difficult decision, agrees it protects the reputation of the court and legislature, and thanks the chair.
CACR23: Unidentified Representative Information Only02:20:01.120 - 11:17:47 AM; States for the record that no one feels strong-armed by the chair's involvement.
HR38: Representative Alexander Information Only03:11:53.520 - 12:09:39 PM; Moved for ITL on HR 38 without further comment.
HR38: Representative Burch Information Only03:11:53.520 - 12:09:39 PM; Seconded the motion for ITL on HR 38.
HR38: Representative Andress Oppose03:12:30.000 - 12:10:16 PM; Questioned why the committee is not addressing the issue raised in HR 38, emphasizing that if the justices are innocent, an inquiry should proceed to prove it. Stated ignorance of the case details but believed the information presented was credible.
HR38: Unidentified Speaker (Chair) Information Only03:13:04.000 - 12:10:50 PM; Noted that the attorney general already reviewed for criminal charges and found nothing.
HR38: Representative Couture Oppose03:13:04.000 - 12:10:50 PM; Argued that the attorney general's review does not preclude investigation for maladministration, citing past inquiries like Brock despite AG report. Highlighted concerns over public trust in courts, killed bills, $50,000 payout, new position during hiring freeze, HR department issues, conflicting stories about a meeting with the governor, and removal from bench. Stressed that HR 38 is for investigation, not immediate impeachment.
HR38: Representative McFarland Support03:15:04.720 - 12:12:50 PM; Took the presented information seriously and reviewed evidence extensively. Explained that deeper review shows less concern: the affidavit about Chief Justice McDonald's response to a meeting request is not contradictory; he was unaware of the actual conversation. Regarding Diane Martin's payout, it was owed per contract and decided collectively by multiple justices, not just McDonald. Concluded no smoking gun exists yet and supports the ITL motion.
HR38: Representative Perez Oppose03:18:34.560 - 12:16:20 PM; Drew analogy to doctors not testifying against each other. Argued there is substantial evidence warranting investigation, including HR issues, divorce non-compliance, and public fury over judicial accountability. Warned that dismissing would harm the committee's, especially Republicans', credibility given the Republican judge involved. Urged passing bills to hold justices accountable as constituents demand.
HR38: Representative Couture Oppose03:20:44.399 - 12:18:30 PM; Responded that Diane Martin was not entitled to payout since she did not leave but moved to a new position days later, contrary to AG report assumptions.
CACR23: Representative Berts Support03:23:11.040 - 12:20:57 PM; Moved for ITL on CACR 23 without comment.
CACR23: Representative Smith Support03:23:11.040 - 12:20:57 PM; Seconded the motion for ITL on CACR 23.
CACR23: Representative Couture Oppose03:24:20.080 - 12:22:06 PM; Will vote no, criticizing inconsistency in claiming alternative oversight methods while rejecting HR 38, leaving no oversight mechanism.