Video & Transcript Research : 'absentee voting'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:24:36.080>
on and could I have a no vote on and could I have a no vote on STR5? - <00:31:18.080>
Further will be voting no. Thank you. Further will be voting no. - I will be voting no. Thank you. judge. I will be voting no. Thank you.
- for those reasons I am uh voting no. for those reasons I am uh voting no.
- Any no votes?
AL
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-EIG, TCA, TCA DEFER Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? Vice Chair is a no vote on this measure.
- voting with reservations and no votes voting with reservations and no votes measures<01:06:37.559
- Any voting with reservations? Any no votes?
- Are there any voting with reservations? Any no votes?
- Any voting with reservations? Any no votes? No vote for me.
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA.
For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted.
The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted.
The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, and everyone's voted on that bill. That bill's out, a vote of 3 to 1.
- Not voting. Cortese, not voting. Perez. Ta. Item 20. Yes, aye. Perez, aye.
- Current vote is 4 to 1. Perez, aye. That bill is out on a vote of 5 to 1.
- Current vote is 5 to 0. Caballero, aye. AB 1687 is out on a vote of 6 to 0.
- Current vote is 4 to 1. Caballero aye. AB 2631 is out on a vote of 5 to 1.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Pinto votes yes. Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes no. Senator Sanchez votes no.
- Senator Scott votes yes. Senator Sedillo Lopez votes yes. Senator Chair votes yes.
- Senator Pope, voting no. Senator Campos, voting no. Senator Figueroa voting no.
- Senator Charlie, voting no. Senator Stia Lopez, voting no. Senator Pinto, voting no.
- Senator Seals voting no. Senator Bergman's voting no. Senator Hamblin voting no.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 109 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:48 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted?
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting is expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting is expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting is expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting is expired.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a Rules Committee resolution commending the National Alliance for Children’s Grief for Children’s Grief Awareness Day. It also concurred in several Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including proposals on manufactured home insurance costs, firefighting water supplies and a state cistern program, Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease, and short-term rental building inspections.
The chamber then took up several bills and local matters. It advanced and later enacted measures including a workplace violence prevention bill for health care employers, a bill amending use restrictions at Foxborough State Hospital, a bill authorizing disposal of certain Upton land, a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, and local bills for Ipswich, Palmer, Wareham, North Carver Water District, Lowell easements, and Westford agricultural preservation restrictions. The House also adopted a resolution rescinding prior Massachusetts Article 5 Convention applications, with Rep. Peisch explaining that the measure would withdraw old state requests for a constitutional convention; the resolution passed 155-3.
Much of the floor debate focused on House 4767, the workplace violence prevention bill. Supporters, including Reps. Lawn, Kane, and Fields, described frequent assaults and threats against health care workers, cited injury statistics, and said the bill would require facility-specific risk assessments, prevention plans, training, incident reporting, and paid leave for injured workers. An amendment narrowing language about covered workers was adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by roll call 158-0 before later final enactment.
The House also heard a commemorative resolution recognizing the Iwagua, Taino, Lukyu, and Cario Tribal Nations and other Taino tribes and their heritage in the Commonwealth, with Leader González and other members speaking in support. Several final passage votes were taken by roll call or voice vote, with the bills and emergency preambles adopted and the House adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- The percentage of the people who are registered to vote who actually voted.
- Have to vote in a...
- We could win with 100 people voting.
- Vote this bill day. honor the family values that they instilled in you. Vote this bill down.
- The bill abandons that Western civic tradition entirely by counting non-votes as no votes.
Keywords:
public records, public meetings, property rights, transcripts, settlement negotiations, Veterans Day, K-12 schools, holiday observance, education, Florida statutes, cybersecurity, local government, grant program, data-sharing, Florida Digital Service, ransomware protection, county administrators, city managers, exemption, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a committee substitute for SB 332, which creates a narrow public meetings and public records exemption for certain pre-suit settlement communications in Bert Harris claims involving local governments and private property rights. The sponsor said the change is intended to allow confidential legal strategy and negotiation during the 90-day pre-suit period while keeping settlements and outcomes public. The strike-all amendment was adopted, supportive testimony was waived in, and the bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved several other measures, including SB 464 requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day as a school holiday; SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, which was amended to add a statement of important state interest and reported favorably after testimony from firefighters both supporting the bill and urging a longer benefit window; SB 576 on local government cybersecurity, which was amended to route the program through the Florida Digital Service and strengthen state-local coordination; SB 964 clarifying how certain gift and honoraria disclosures are filed with the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with a delayed effective date; SB 830 creating public records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096 clarifying the filing deadline for employment discrimination complaints; and SB 1656 designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship. All were reported favorably.
The committee also considered a slate of appointments, including a separate vote on Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employees Relations Commission, which was recommended favorably after Senator Polsky objected to the appointment and cited concerns about political ties and prior work. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably. After a recess, the committee took up SB 1296 on the Public Employees Relations Commission, as substituted by a committee PCS. The PCS would change union certification and recertification rules, require stronger showing-of-interest and voting thresholds, limit paid union leave in some cases, require equal access to employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for state-funded salary increases. The bill drew extensive testimony, with supporters arguing it would improve accountability, transparency, and taxpayer fairness, and opponents—many of them teachers, bus drivers, and other public employees—saying it would weaken collective bargaining, burden workers, and function as union busting. Members raised constitutional concerns about the single-subject rule and collective bargaining protections, and debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We will have a roll call vote. Representative Aguilar. If I could explain my vote.
- And with that, I vote aye.
- We'll have a roll call vote. Representative Aguilar? I can explain my vote. Yes.
- With that, I vote aye.
- We'll roll call vote. Representative Aguilar? I could explain my vote. Yes.
Keywords:
digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, allow takedown requests for content as minors become adults, and create remedies for sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google described it as a modern Coogan-trust style protection; some members raised concerns about the age-13 and age-18 provisions, but the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote with two present.
HB 2501, an agency bill, conformed Arizona’s definition of appraisal management company to federal law and passed unanimously. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow statewide chambers or business leagues to operate self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements, drew support from the Chamber and small-business advocates but opposition from a coalition citing possible federal preemption; it passed as amended on an 8-1 vote. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill, required clearer notice that online “purchases” may be licenses, prorated refunds if access changes, and removed some penalty language in amendment; supporters said it would reduce consumer confusion, while retailers argued federal law already covers the issue. It passed as amended 11-0.
The committee also approved HB 2279, which limits liability for Grand Canyon river outfitters for inherent risks of rafting while preserving claims for gross negligence or intentional acts, despite constitutional objections from opponents; it passed 7-4. HB 2690, which tightens unemployment insurance eligibility by adding work-search and fraud cross-check requirements, was opposed by advocates who said it would add red tape and burden eligible claimants, but it passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. HB 2555, requiring retail businesses to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and banning cash fees, passed as amended 9-1 after debate over consumer access and business flexibility.
Finally, HB 2199, which expands required education for RV park managers and shifts some enforcement duties to the Department of Housing, passed as amended 7-0 with three present. The committee then considered HB 2459, which would let mobile home park landlords recover actual utility charges and add an administrative fee for submetering; supporters said it would address overcharges and improve transparency, while opponents warned it could increase costs and confusion. The transcript cuts off before the final action on HB 2459.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 100 Apr 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ask for an I vote. ask for an I vote.
- Further<01:24:10.400>
no <01:24:10.600>votes? Further no votes? Further no votes? - Are there any no votes? votes? votes?
- Are there any no votes? Are there any no votes?
- Are there any<01:38:41.040>
no <01:38:41.160>votes? any no votes? any no votes?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a series of committee reports and appointment recommendations. Reports included several bills being amended and referred onward, along with confirmations for appointments to the Colorado State University System Board of Governors and the Western Colorado University Board of Trustees. The chamber also suspended a rule to allow a child to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and later recognized visiting Scout Troop 873 from Highlands Ranch and the Colorado Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol, including a tribute to the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and remarks about conservation, hunting, and angling.
The Senate also honored the Be Well Health and Wellness Initiative for 23 years of work on health equity, community wellness, and resident-driven system change, with remarks highlighting its community engagement model and efforts to address social determinants of health. In addition, the chamber recognized legislative aides, interns, and staff with a tribute praising their work supporting senators and the legislative process. These recognitions were largely ceremonial and were met with applause and supportive remarks from members.
The main policy item taken up was Senate Bill 149, concerning pathways for individuals with mental health disorders who are incompetent to stand trial. Senators Amabile and Simpson described the bill as a response to longstanding gaps in treatment and placement options for people found incompetent to proceed, especially those who are dangerous and not likely to be restored. They said the bill was developed over many months with input from prosecutors, public defenders, and budget staff, and emphasized public safety and the need to avoid releasing people when no appropriate placement exists. Senator Coram Reyer spoke in support, citing a local case involving a violent defendant who was released and later threatened people with a gun.
The Committee of the Whole adopted the Judiciary and Appropriations committee reports on SB 149, and then considered amendment L049 from Senator Marble, which would reduce certain judicial staffing assumptions by half while preserving capital and IT funding and allowing the judiciary to return through the normal budget process if needed. Senators Marble and Simpson supported the amendment, describing the fiscal estimates as uncertain and the bill’s implementation as still being in flux. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the amendment or the bill vote is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Any members voting with reservations or voting no?
- Any members voting with reservations or voting no?
- Any members voting with amendments? Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no?
- Voting<00:47:35.760>
on Voting on Voting on HR1<00:47:37.839>oh <00:47:38.160>200 <00:50:27.359>Chair's vote. Voting on HCR 27 HR26. Chair's vote. Voting on HCR 27 HR26.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 27 (2-13-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 92 members voting aye, no members voting nay.
- House voting I, no members voting nay.
- House voting I 21 members voting nay.
- Ninety-three members voting. No members voting nay.
- :04.240>
members <00:46:04.480>voting members voting I, eight members voting members voting
Keywords:
Convene 00:00:00
Senate Message 00:05:32
Calendar/2nd Readings 00:06:28
Orders of the Day 00:08:06
HB 459 00:08:16
HB 293 00:10:44
HB 379 00:20:16
HB 526 00:24:16
HB 264 00:39:32
HB 448 00:43:37
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:46:17
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 00:57:26
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 00:58:27
ConC/Rules Report 01:01:42
Floor Amendments 01:03:00
Adjournment 01:03:24, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were offered, a quorum was established, absent members were excused, and the journal was approved. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed several bills and requested concurrence. Members then reviewed a slate of second-reading measures, including bills on child care, gubernatorial transitions, campaign finance, local public agency transactions, unclaimed property, state contracts, mental health treatment, economic development, aviation task force continuation, and a child care study resolution.
The House then took up and passed House Bill 459 on licensed occupations. The sponsor said the bill would require licensure boards to collect workforce data and would recognize certain out-of-state marriage and family therapists who meet Kentucky standards. House Bill 293 on vehicle wheels was also passed after its sponsor explained it was narrowed to require rubber on heavier horse-drawn equipment to reduce road damage while exempting lighter personal transportation; it passed 80-8. House Bill 379 on postsecondary education passed unanimously after a committee substitute added provisions on governing board attendance, collection of enrollment-related debts by the Department of Revenue, formalizing Northern Kentucky University’s role with the Center for Mathematics, and allowing preliminary presidential evaluations in closed session.
House Bill 526 on members of the bar generated the most debate. A floor amendment was adopted to add explanatory language and delay the bill’s effective date until July 1, 2027. Supporters argued the bill would make bar membership voluntary while preserving Supreme Court authority over admission and discipline; opponents warned it would weaken attorney oversight and public protection. A motion to suspend the rules to consider another amendment failed 22-? against the required 51 votes. The bill then passed 70-21. House Bill 264 on theft by deception was also advanced after a floor amendment added vacant lots to the property covered by the bill’s fraud presumption; the sponsor said it targets real estate scams involving property listed without authority.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG DEFER Public Hearing 04-21-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes. If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
- Chair votes yes. Vice pass unamended. Chair votes yes.
- If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes. I'll pass to pass as is. I vote yes.
- Chair votes yes. Vice Chair votes yes. Senator DeCoite, reservations.
- Vice Chair votes yes. Senator yes. Vice Chair votes yes.
Keywords:
pedestrian safety, raised crosswalks, Honolulu, traffic infrastructure, school zone, HCR154, Hele-On, Hele-On Shared Ride Program, County of Hawaii, Hawaii County, Mass Transit Agency, shared ride, paratransit, accessible transportation, ADA, mobility devices, wheelchair accessible, kupuna, seniors, elderly
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs reconvened on April 21 and took up a series of House Concurrent Resolutions, with no public testimony. Members first approved HCR 43, urging raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary at University Avenue, Malkiki Street, and Kamoku Street to improve student safety, and HCR 154, asking Hawaii County to expand the Heleon shared ride program islandwide, including rural and underserved areas. They also passed HCR 165, calling for permanent pickleball nets and court lighting at Kamilo Iki Community Park, and HCR 186, urging the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend health care authorization renewals for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis.
The committee then approved HCR 200, which urges the Department of Defense to reassess prior CERCLA-related closure decisions in light of evolving PFAS science. Members said the measure was intended to help keep PFAS out of the water system. HCR 202, establishing a legislative task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, was amended before passage to expand the task force’s scope to include separation of generation from transmission and distribution, add Senate leadership representation, and include representatives from the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Farm Bureau. Several members supported the amended version with reservations, expressing concern about possible cost impacts from separating generation and distribution.
Finally, the committee passed HCR 206 HD1, which requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a working group to study the impacts of large data centers on utilities, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. All measures were adopted by the committee, with HCR 202 passing with amendments and the others passing unamended. The meeting then adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The members will vote. Clerk locking recorded vote 590 vote.
- Cling the members will vote. Cler lock machine record the vote vote.
- Cling the members vote. Clerk lockashim court to vote 42 I vote.
- The members will vote on locking machine record the vote vote on locking machine record the vote 103
- Members will vote. Clerk lock machine record the vote vote.
Keywords:
occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/22/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not a hidden vote. is known. It's not a hidden vote.
- I just voted yes" or "I just voted no."
- I just voted yes or I just really know. I just voted yes or I just voted<01:13:23.199>
no." - So you just go to a secret ballot vote. It’s not a one-hour vote.
- So you just go to a secret ballot vote. It’s not a one-hour vote.
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.
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.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And y'all voted for these maps.
- People can’t vote, but what makes matters worse now, when they can vote, is they’re still trying to do
- Senate Bill 1 passed in 2021 made it harder for Texans to vote by banning drive-through and 24-hour voting
- My vote is my voice.
- I do not vote along party lines. I vote for a candidate, not a party.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts.
A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony.
Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.