Judiciary Committee Judiciary Committee Public Hearing - February 18, 2026 [Source] Translate

The committee meeting transitioned from a committee session to a public hearing, starting with the nomination of Steven D. Ecker for reappointment as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court. Judge Ecker expressed gratitude for his nomination and emphasized the importance of fairness and impartiality in judicial conduct. He discussed his role as co-chair of a committee on artificial intelligence (AI) and the courts, highlighting concerns about the reliability of AI-generated documents and the need for a certification process to ensure accuracy in court filings. Representative Fishbein recused himself from the discussion due to a related case. The conversation included the implications of AI in legal practice, with Ecker noting the judiciary's need to adapt to rapid changes and the challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in AI-generated content. He also shared his views on dissenting opinions, referencing a specific case involving police pursuit and immunity. Further discussions involved Ecker's judicial philosophy and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, including Dobbs v. Jackson. He expressed caution in commenting on ongoing legal matters while acknowledging the complexities of precedent. The meeting also included Judge Ingrid Maul's opening statement for her appellate court renomination, where she reflected on her judicial service and commitment to integrity and public service. She discussed the challenges posed by self-represented parties in the legal system, noting that about 40% of appeals involve at least one self-represented party, complicating legal proceedings. The committee acknowledged the need to make the appellate process less intimidating for self-represented parties, with Judge Maul highlighting the clerk's office's efforts to assist them. The meeting concluded with well-wishes for Judge Maul's renomination. Several judges, including Lisa Grasso-Egan, Judge Barbara D. Aaron, Judge Courtney Chaplin, and Judge Claudia Baio, expressed gratitude for their reappointments and shared their experiences and community involvement. The discussion included the emotional toll on judges in the housing court system and the importance of managing stress. Judges discussed the 120-day rule for issuing decisions, with concerns raised about delays. Some members suggested a tiered structure for quicker resolutions on certain motions. Senator Winfield emphasized the importance of managing stress to ensure fair proceedings. Subsequent nominees, including Laura Baldini and Tejas Gabbat, introduced themselves and discussed their backgrounds. Gabbat acknowledged a private admonishment he received in 2023 and assured the committee of his commitment to improvement. The meeting featured discussions about a judge's past incident involving a misinterpreted comment, leading to an apology and a commitment to personal growth. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and accountability. Donna Wilkerson Berlant expressed gratitude for her renomination and addressed concerns regarding her judicial performance evaluations. She acknowledged challenges in juvenile matters and her efforts to improve her comportment. Gene Callistro, Jr. and other judges shared their experiences and community involvement, with committee members expressing appreciation for their service. The meeting included discussions about the challenges faced by judges in family law and the need for continued support and resources. The meeting concluded with discussions about the experiences of judges being considered for reappointment, including Judge Margarita Hartley Moore, Judge Maureen Price, Judge Stuart Rosen, and Judge Sanchez-Figueroa, who addressed complaints against them and expressed their commitment to justice. The meeting wrapped up with public comments praising the judges' performance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and concluded with the chair announcing the closing of the public hearing.