HB 1134: Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act clarifies that municipal court defendants have a right to counsel and that municipal defense counsel have the same notice requirements, case information, and opportunity to meet with their clients as do state-level defense counsel. Current law prohibits paying indigent municipal defense counsel on a fixed or flat-fee payment structure if the municipality prosecutes domestic violence cases. The act applies the prohibition to all municipalities and allows a flat fee arrangement if the flat fee is the same or higher than a resulting fee based on hourly compensation.     Current law requires municipal court proceedings to be open to public observation. The act requires virtual observation for all in-custody proceedings and prompt resolution of municipal cases.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 38

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 27, 2026Governor Signed
2. April 16, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. April 16, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 16, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. March 31, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. March 30, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. March 25, 2026Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
8. March 10, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
9. March 3, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
10. March 2, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
11. February 25, 2026House Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
12. February 4, 2026Introduced In House - Assigned to Judiciary