Video & Transcript Research : 'precinct voting'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- candidates and people show up to vote candidates and people show up to vote please<01:03:56.799>
- It's going to add policy, and I'd love to keep working on it. election will vote in more vote on more
- voting on the other.
- represent a community that voted.
- represent a community that voted.
Keywords:
campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-12 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If all senators voted, if all senators voted, lock the board and record the vote. 32, yay, yay, zero
- Senators may proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed a moment of silence for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer. The Secretary then read the special session proclamation, which limited the session to budget-related matters including the General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, law enforcement radio system funding, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, corrections, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for handling Senate and House budget bills and conference posture.
The Senate took up and passed several Senate bills, including SB 2506E on fuel taxes, SB 2508E on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2512E on judges, and SB 2514E on K-12 education, each by 32-0. The chamber then received House bills and, for each, adopted delete-all amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicle or delete everything to prepare for conference. Bills addressed included HB 7031E (taxation), HB 5701E (petroleum cleanup programs), HB 5203E (government administration), HB 5207E (Department of Management Services), HB 5403E (correctional facilities financing and capital improvements), HB 5501E (documentary stamp tax distributions), HB 5001E (the General Appropriations Act), HB 5003E (implementing bill), HB 5201E (collective bargaining), HB 5205E (retirement), HB 5601E (higher education), and HB 5301E (health care). Most passed 32-0, with HB 5403E passing 31-0.
During debate on HB 7031E, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide immediate relief at the pump, citing high gas prices. The Senate ultimately passed the House bill as amended and then acceded to the House request for conference on the taxation package and the other House bills. The Senate also substituted HB 5001E for SB 2500E and HB 5003E for SB 2502E, and similarly substituted House bills for the related Senate conforming bills before voting to send them to conference.
At the close of business, the Senate observed a moment of silence for former Senator Bill Posey. The Rules Chair announced the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet that day or the next, and the Senate adopted a motion to establish the special order calendar for the remainder of the special session by website publication and Secretary announcement. The Senate then adjourned upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other business.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- I'm going to put up a red vote. vote. vote.
- change their vote, explain their vote?
- change their vote, explain their vote? change their vote, explain their vote?
Summary:
The Maryland Senate reconvened with a quorum and took up Budget and Taxation matters first. The chamber considered Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, with the capital budget subcommittee chair describing a $5.7 billion capital program focused on jobs, reliability, and infrastructure, including funding for transportation, state facilities, local projects, and legislative bond initiatives. The committee report and reprint were explained, and the bill with its 291 committee amendments was special ordered until the next day for further amendment work.
The Senate then adopted the favorable committee report for Senate Bill 769, the University System of Maryland Academic Facilities Bonding Authority, and ordered it printed for third reading. On the third reading calendar, the Senate passed Senate Bills 84, 618, 932, 148, 202, and 623 by constitutional majorities. SB 84 concerned collective bargaining for graduate assistants; SB 618 addressed a public ethics exemption for General Assembly members and certain state and local employees; SB 932 dealt with social media platforms displaying user location; SB 148 created an income tax subtraction modification for public safety employee retirement income supporting 911 specialists; SB 202 reinstated an order-to-show-cause process in police discipline, which drew floor opposition from a senator who argued it would revive an unnecessary exception to the streamlined police accountability process; and SB 623 created the Maryland Premium Cigar Lounge Act of 2026.
The Senate also handled Senate Bill 463, a second-reading bill on municipal vagrancy and local authority to prohibit it, which the committee chair moved to special order for the following Tuesday without objection. The session concluded with announcements about caucus meetings, a quorum call, and adjournment until Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m., along with thanks to the secretary’s office, DLS staff, and pages for their work.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Has everyone voted?
- Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
- Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? The clerk will close the board and tally the vote.
- All those in favor vote yes. All those opposed vote no. Mr.
- Has everyone voted? Mr. Speaker, has everyone voted? Mr.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a recorded vote. Members, please cast your vote. That bill is tabled on a vote of 20 to 0.
- All those, that's a recorded vote. That is tabled on the vote of 21 to 0.
- Members, please cast your vote. That bill is tabled, voted 22 to 0.
- Our members, please cast your vote. The bill is tabled on the vote of 21 to 0.
- Members, please catch you vote. That bill is tabled on vote of 22-0. Yes, Mr.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Feb 5, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 13
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:55.799>
with recognition purposes I am voting with recognition purposes I am voting - ; Representative Alcos, no vote; Representative Shimizu, no vote.
- Representative Perck, no vote.
- Representative Morikawa, no vote. Representative Reyes, no vote. Representative Oda, no vote.
- Representative Garcia, no vote. Representative Morikawa, no vote. Representative Reyes, no vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Four eyes, three no, zero, not voting. By your vote, four eyes, three knows, and zero not voting.
- By your vote, four eyes, three knows and zero or not voting.
- What's a vote? You want to vote it? Yeah, I was... You want to vote it? Yes, I was.
- Five eyes, two no, and one out vote. Zero not vote.
- I vote—I would vote aye with um...
Bills:
SB1071, SB1315, SB1317, SB1416, SB1493, SB1537, SB1542, SB1584, SB1626, SB1740, SB1751, SB1804, SCR1047, SCR1049
Keywords:
Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1071, which would repeal the statutory framework for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the bill was about accountability and transparency, citing concerns about missing training and firearms qualification records; Arizona Rangers representatives and several sheriffs opposed the bill, saying the Rangers provide valuable volunteer support and that the real issue was adding oversight rather than eliminating protections. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1071 a do pass recommendation, with members noting they expected amendments later.
The committee then heard SB 1315, requiring school districts and charter schools to maintain interoperable emergency communications with law enforcement and to submit annual affidavits confirming testing and compliance. Testimony from school safety officials and sheriffs emphasized the value of real-time communication during emergencies and the need for secure sharing of campus maps and floor plans; concerns about cost and information security were addressed by supporters. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee also advanced SB 1317, which appropriates opioid settlement funds for county reentry planning programs; sheriffs and association representatives supported it, citing reduced recidivism and jail populations, and it passed 7-0.
Several public safety and missing-children measures were considered next. SB 1416, as amended, revises missing child reporting requirements, adds runaway children back into reporting, requires faster photo and information sharing, and expands training requirements; advocates for missing children and law enforcement supported the compromise language, and the bill passed 7-0. SB 1740, which updates Turquoise Alert training and procedures, was also advanced 7-0 after discussion about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts and the need to keep alerts effective. Later, SB 1493, a strike-everything amendment affecting police officer termination appeals and fee shifting when an employer rejects a favorable administrative ruling, passed 5-2 despite opposition from chiefs’ representatives. SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund and repealing its advisory commission, passed 5-2.
The committee also approved SB 1751 and SCR 1049, which expand execution methods to include lethal gas and firing squad and make firing squad mandatory in certain cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer; opponents raised constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns, while supporters framed the measures as aligning Arizona with other states and providing additional options. Both measures passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1542, which would create a framework and funding for MDMA research and treatment for PTSD in first responders and peace officers contingent on FDA approval, was heard with testimony describing promising clinical trial results and the need for Arizona research; the bill was then moved forward, though the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/17/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gander votes aye. Gordon votes aye. Kisha votes aye. Gordon votes aye. Kisha votes aye.
- Gander votes aye. Gordon votes no. Kisha votes no.
- Gander votes no. Gordon votes no. Kisha votes no.
- Gordon Gordon votes no Gordon votes no Gordon Gordon votes no Gordon votes no Kisha Kisha Kisha votes
- Gander votes no. Gordon votes no. Kisha votes no. Gordon votes no. Kisha votes no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 13th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.
- All those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/11/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- vote green. Thank you. vote green. Thank you.
- shall vote green. shall vote green.
- Members, vote no. work. Members, vote no.
- Vote<00:34:00.240>
green. Vote green. Vote green. - Please vote<01:31:26.639>
green. vote green. vote green.
Summary:
The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs.
Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote.
Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Ian Ward, how do you vote? Yes. Ian votes yes.
- How do you vote? Yes. Clem Clay votes yes.
- How do you vote? Yes. Clem Clay votes, yes.
- I vote yes.
- How do you vote? Thank you, Madam Chair. I vote yes. Senator Joe Comerford votes yes.
Summary:
The meeting was the final session of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century, convened to adopt its final report. The chairs described the report as the product of extensive public engagement, research, and collaboration, focused on challenges and opportunities for Massachusetts agriculture, including climate resilience, farmland access, workforce development, food security, and farm viability. Several members and stakeholders thanked the chairs and staff for the multi-year process and emphasized the value of hearing directly from farmers and industry participants.
Senator Barrett offered a detailed set of draft corrections and concerns for the record, including the report title, outdated references, repeated definitions of MDAR, the need to better reflect suburban communities, and a possible tension between recommendations supporting anaerobic digestion and a governor’s proposal affecting the alternative portfolio standard. The chairs noted that comments had been circulated for written review and said substantive feedback would be considered, while also indicating the document was nearing finalization.
The commission then held a roll call vote and unanimously voted to adopt the final report, with all members present voting yes. The chairs said the final report would be formatted, published online, and distributed to stakeholders and the public, with a public rollout and media briefing planned for the fall. They also noted that the report was intended to support related legislation already filed or expected to be filed in the Legislature.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Local Government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/09/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's put it to a vote. All those A26. Let's put it to a vote.
- Seeing none, we'll put it to a vote. Let's start by voice vote.
- The chair encourages a yes vote on the A23. Members, let's put it to a vote.
- yes votes and four no votes, the seven yes votes and four no votes, the motion<01:42:08.480>
does - Please vote yes. electricity. So, please vote yes on electricity.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture REVISED: SB722 - Link added Apr 6th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- More bow Any member wishing to vote or change their vote? Staff, close the vote. 6 ayes, 3 nays.
- Anyone wishing to vote or change their vote? Staff, close the vote.
- Staff, open the More votes Aye. Any member wishing to change their vote? Staff, close the vote.
- Staff, close the vote and declare the vote. Aye, 1 nay.
- Anyone wishing to change their vote? Staff, close the vote. Now you may declare the vote.
Keywords:
water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation
NH
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It should be voted down, and I'll be voting no. Thank you.
- IT SHOULD BE VOTED DOWN. AND I'LL BE VOTING. NO THANK YOU.
- I vote aye.
- I vote aye.
- I vote aye.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s journal and proceeded to a lengthy third-reading calendar. Early business included several motions to discharge Assembly bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, along with a few bills laid aside for the day. The chamber also recalled two bills from the Assembly, restored one bill to the Third Reading Calendar after reconsideration, and received amendments on two other bills without changing their calendar status.
The Senate then took up a large number of bills across topics including labor, energy, insurance, consumer protection, environmental conservation, health, banking, elections, public service, education, workers’ compensation, criminal justice, local government, and tax law. Most measures passed with broad support, though several drew recorded opposition. Notable debate included Senator Mayer’s explanation for a bill intended to prevent treatment-court participants, including veterans, from losing their driver’s licenses twice after completing diversion programs; Senator Ryan’s support for a bill expanding prosecutors’ ability to treat repeat sexual abuse as persistent abuse; and a sharp exchange on a bill repealing New York’s HIV/STI criminalization law, with Senators Borrello and Chan opposing it and Senator Salazar defending the repeal as necessary to reduce stigma and protect survivors.
The chamber also adopted and recognized several resolutions and guest presentations. Members welcomed the Tri-Valley Secondary School girls cross country champions, Miss America Cassie Donagan and Miss New York Teen Nadia Anwar, and the Hudson High School varsity boys basketball team. Later, the Senate took up a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month, with multiple senators speaking in support of greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved care for pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers. At the end of the session, the sponsors opened the day’s resolutions for co-sponsorship, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, June 1 at 12 noon, with intervening days designated as legislative days.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please vote green.
- Have all senators voted? Does any senator wish to change their vote?
- Have all senators voted? Does any senator wish to change their vote?
- Have all senators voted? Does any senator wish to change their vote?
- Have all senators voted? Does any senator wish to change their vote?
Summary:
The Senate reconvened and handled several House messages and conference committee appointments before taking up a series of bills. It appointed conference committees on Senate Bill 2265 and House Bills 1454, 1448, and 1524. The chamber also adopted a Senate amendment to House Bill 1216, delaying its effective date for the copay accumulator prescription drug bill to January 1, 2026, with later renewal timing for non-PERS plans.
House Bill 1216 then came up for final passage. Senators debated whether allowing copay accumulator programs to count manufacturer coupons toward deductibles would help patients with expensive drugs or unfairly shift costs to insurers and other policyholders. Supporters said it would help people afford life-saving medications and that the coupon payments go to pharmacies, not insurers; opponents argued it could raise premiums and create perverse incentives for drug pricing. The bill passed 29-18. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2160, which changes health insurance benefits under the Uniform Group Insurance Program to move from a grandfathered to a non-grandfathered plan, with supporters emphasizing added benefits and flexibility and opponents warning of higher costs and irreversible changes. That bill passed concurrence 33-14 and final passage 39-8.
The Senate next concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2339, the wildfire mitigation bill, which requires utility mitigation plans to be updated every two years, incorporate national electric standards, and creates a rebuttable presumption of reasonable care if the plan is followed. The bill then passed final passage 46-1. The chamber also adopted conference committee reports and passed House Bill 1460 on adult foster care and monitoring devices, House Bill 1440 on cigar lounge tobacco use, and Senate Bill 2374 on insurance-related provisions including property insurance arbitration, managed repair programs, and surplus lines issues; SB 2374 also added a study on towing and recovery coverage. The session ended with announcements of upcoming conference committee meetings and adjournment until April 22, 2025.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/02/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- So, good bipartisan—if we get down the governor's desk quickly, I vote aye. I vote aye.
- So with that, I vote aye.
- So with that, I vote aye. Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting.
- And with that, I vote aye. Members, four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.
- And with that, I vote aye. Aye. Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting.
Keywords:
immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights
Summary:
The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met and approved the January 26, 2026 minutes, then took up several bills related to veterans, immigration, and border security. SB 1268 was described as an emergency cleanup measure clarifying that a 100% service-connected disabled veteran’s primary residence is fully exempt from property tax, including when jointly owned with a spouse; county assessors supported it as needed to fix ambiguous language before the 2026 tax year, and it passed 7-0. SB 1152 would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until asylum is granted; supporters framed it as limiting state spending on pending cases, while opponents argued it was redundant, could encourage racial profiling, and conflicted with humanitarian and economic considerations. It passed 4-3. SB 1156 would appropriate $20 million to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs involving unauthorized persons; supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden, while opponents said the money should go elsewhere and that the state was already spending heavily on border issues. It passed 4-3.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor vote aye. Aye. All opposed vote nay. It appears the ayes have it.
- Explain my vote. You may.
- And with that, I vote aye. Six ayes, four noes, zero not voting.
- And with that, I vote aye. Six aye, four no, zero not voting.
- With that, I vote aye.
Keywords:
appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced six measures. SB 1118, as amended, appropriates $3 million to the Department of Health Services for grants to rural hospitals to install radiation protection systems in cardiac catheterization rooms; testimony focused on protecting health care workers from ionizing radiation, with the amendment narrowing the bill from an unspecified appropriation to a specific amount and room type. The committee also approved SB 1154, a $500,000 General Fund appropriation for an ADOT traffic and safety study on SR 64 between Williams and the Grand Canyon, after testimony from local officials, law enforcement, and fire personnel describing heavy tourism traffic, crashes, and fatalities. SB 1063, which appropriates $10.4 million for safety improvements on U.S. Route 70, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sheriffs, and tribal law enforcement describing a high number of fatalities and dangerous roadway conditions.
The committee then passed SB 1153, which creates a Grand Canyon National Park specialty license plate and fund; the Grand Canyon Conservancy testified that proceeds would support park conservation, research, education, and preservation work. SCM 1001, as amended, urging the renaming of State Route 260 as the Donald J. Trump Highway, was approved after a contentious debate over the symbolism of the memorial. Finally, SB 1209, which exempts people without a residence address or whose address is a homeless shelter from non-operating ID license fees and extends the validity period for those IDs, received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from homeless services providers that IDs are essential for housing, employment, and access to services. Votes were 10-0 for SB 1118, 6-4 for SB 1154, 6-4 for SB 1063, 10-0 for SB 1153, 6-4 for SCM 1001, and 9-0 with one not voting for SB 1209.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (2-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:28.920>
voted <00:16:29.199>for legislator here that votes voted for legislator - They've done so by voting or recommending a vote for shareholder-sponsored proposals contrary to the
- They're promising to vote that way, but the proxy advisers are not voting that way.
- They're promising to vote that way, but the proxy advisers are not voting that way.
- They're promising to vote that way, but the proxy advisers are not voting that way.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:17
Attendance Roll Call: 00:41
Approval of Minutes: 02:40
HB 694: 03:16
SB 183: 18:32
Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10
Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later.
Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations.
Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.