Video & Transcript Research : 'electronic voting'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:55:30.760>
Thank to vote yes on Senate File 486. - vote. Ms. Sieversen. vote. Ms. Sieversen. Thank<01:00:20.720>
you, <01:00:20.800>Mr. - Uh, the Chair is going to be a yes vote on this, folks, and I'll tell you why.
- There being six yes votes and five no votes, the motion prevails and the motion will send Senate
- and five no There being six yes votes and five no votes,<01:14:23.760>
the <01:14:23.840>motion
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Attendance will now be recorded by electronic roll call. I forgot when you get it, just a second.
- Those in favor vote aye. Opposed vote no. The ayes have it, so ordered.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and electronic roll call showing 24 members present, zero absent, and six excused. The Journal for March 23, 2026 was approved, and Senator Dunn introduced an intern from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center.
The main substantive item was a legislative proclamation recognizing April 26 through May 2, 2026 as Arizona Water Professionals Week. Senator Gabaldón read the proclamation and introduced guests from the Arizona water community, emphasizing the importance of water professionals, water reliability, and the state’s water management efforts. Senators Dunn, Sundareshan, Shope, and Gabaldón were listed as signatories, and Gabaldón also congratulated Trey Harris of Community Water Company of Green Valley for an upcoming award.
The chamber then handled routine business: House and Senate bills were read into the record and referred to committees, including measures on local government investment pools, housing zoning in historic neighborhoods, juvenile penalties, workers’ compensation fraud notice, the Arizona State Trade Commission, justice court administration, and a sexual abuse prevention pilot program. House Bill 2673 was withdrawn from committee. Committee meeting announcements were made for the next day, and the Senate adjourned by motion until March 25, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- BEFORE WE BEGIN PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE TURNED OFF OR PLACED ON SILENT MODE.
- THAT IS YOUR FIRST VOTE RIGHT. THIS IS SO COOL THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME VOTING ON A BILL.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- MAKE SURE YOUR CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE GENERALLY ANYTHING THAT WILL MAKE NOISE TO START
- WE VOTED ON FLOOR CLASS SESSION BUT I WILL REFRESH YOUR MEMORY.
- >> Chair McClure: BY YOUR VOTE THE BILL PASSES. PLEASE REPORT HOUSE BILL 145 FAVORABLY.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices. Senator Bradley and Senator Pizzo are excused.
- By your vote, show SB 1318 is reported favorably. Thank you. You may go about your day.
- I want you to vote yes on Senate Bill. I'm seven years old.
- So thank you for this good bill, and I look forward to voting up on it. Thank you.
- By your vote, CS for SB 182 is indeed reported favorably. Senator, stand by.
Summary:
The Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. There was little discussion, no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones, which creates a school teacher training and mentoring program within the Department of Education. The program would allow districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers as mentors in D- or F-rated schools, with mentors required to have at least three years of experience, a highly effective evaluation, and eligibility for a stipend of up to $3,000. A late-filed amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version by setting the mentoring term to one grading period, capping the number of mentees, and clarifying use of enrichment funds.
Members discussed implementation, including that principals would assign mentors based on workload and that the mentoring would occur within the same school. The bill received supportive testimony from a seven-year-old student, his mother, and the Florida Parent Teacher Association, and several senators spoke in favor of the measure as a way to support teachers and improve student outcomes. CS for SB 182 was reported favorably. The chair then thanked members and staff, noted this was likely the committee’s final policy meeting, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete
- By your vote, CS for SB 1690 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- By your vote, SB 1022 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- By your vote, CS for SB 1462 is reported favorably.
- Yes, by your vote CS for SB 1462 is reported favorably.
Keywords:
dependent children, child welfare, cash allowance, caregivers, community organizations, empowerment, foster care, out-of-home care, temporary cash assistance, eligibility, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Florida statutes
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced four bills. CS/SB 1690, on early childhood education, was amended with a delete-all amendment that required public posting of child care inspection reports and data on child deaths, injuries, and substantiated abuse; changed certain notice and insurance provisions for family and large family child care homes; created the Florida Endowment for Early Learning; and made related definitional changes. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1022, on children’s initiatives, would add two new Florida Children’s Initiatives in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County; the sponsor described the program as a community-based service network model, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition.
SB 996, on dependent children, would require DCF and community-based care lead agencies to coordinate and regularly meet with organizations focused on people with lived experience in the child welfare system, and to publish how suggestions are implemented. Several young adults with foster care experience testified in support, emphasizing the importance of youth voice, normalcy, and teaching financial responsibility through allowance. The bill was reported favorably after supportive debate.
The committee also considered CS/SB 1462, on temporary cash assistance eligibility, after adopting an amendment that narrowed a SNAP eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to remove barriers to reunification and redemption. After supportive testimony and no opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State official protective services 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I recommend a yes vote.
- I recommend a yes vote. Thank you. so. I recommend a yes vote. Thank you.
- members vote no on the amendment. members vote no on the amendment.
- I would suggest a no vote on the A2. there's something happening in St.
- I would suggest a no vote on the A2.
Summary:
House File 3791 was laid over for possible inclusion later, with Rep. Green and Rep. Noor presenting it as a response to rising threats against Minnesota elected officials and public officers. They cited increased threat reports, the June 2025 killings of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and other recent threats as evidence that current protective resources are insufficient. The bill would create a state officials protective services unit within the State Patrol, provide security and threat-assessment services for principal state officials, and require reporting on credible threats. Rep. Noor said the proposal would be triggered by leadership when there is a credible threat, would include legislators and constitutional officers, and would be funded at about $3.98 million in FY 2027 with an ongoing base of $3.25 million, with some ability to contract with local law enforcement for support in official-capacity situations.
Members raised concerns about scope, jurisdiction, and cost. Rep. Olsen argued the bill was not narrow enough and worried it could allow Capitol Security to provide home or event security too broadly, rather than limiting the work to the Capitol and catastrophic incidents. Rep. Joy offered an A1 amendment to use existing funds instead of adding new spending, saying local sheriffs and police already handle many situations. That amendment failed on a voice vote. Rep. Olson then moved an A2 amendment focused on clarifying who should be in charge of protection at home and how local law enforcement would be involved; discussion centered on whether Capitol Security, State Patrol, or local agencies should lead response and how credible threats would be determined.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Green and Rep. Muir, said the events of June 14 showed the need for a dedicated, coordinated protective service and that local responses were uneven across jurisdictions. Rep. Muir described delayed or inconsistent police responses after the attacks and said lawmakers need a more reliable system to keep members and their families safe. Rep. Keagle also testified about personal threats and harassment at home, including a prank pizza delivery that made her fear someone knew when she was home. The committee did not take final action on the bill beyond laying it over, and the A1 amendment failed; discussion on the A2 amendment and the bill’s details continued.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If I in person, please ensure that you're registered through the electronic witness affirmation systems
- If you need interpretation, I can get you some interpretation on that from last night's vote later.
Keywords:
housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, tax exemption, audit requirements, affordable housing, local government, development bonds, housing assistance, financial assistance, low income housing, community support, affordability, veterans housing, community involvement, air conditioning, tenant support, healthcare, elderly, taxation
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDU, HRE-EDU Public Hearings 03-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- for before they vote, right?
- in favor of this, you need to vote in favor of that, please vote for this?
- in favor of this, you need to vote in favor of that, please vote for this?
- Chair, vote on House Bill 549, House Draft 3, to pass with amendments. Any member voting no?
- Any member voting with reservations? Hearing none, the three members present vote aye.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 110, HD1, which would clarify local food purchase goals for the Department of Education. DOE said it supports the measure and will work toward the 30% local food mandate by 2030. The Department of Agriculture also supported the bill, and outside advocates from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network strongly backed it as consistent with prior farm-to-school laws and helpful for measuring progress toward the goal.
The committee then took up House Bill 293, which would exempt certain DOE purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products from electronic procurement rules and allow written-quote purchasing thresholds, including a lower quote requirement for some rural schools. DOE, the Department of Agriculture, the State Procurement Office, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported the measure, describing it as a tool to help the department test and add local products and meet the 30% goal. However, members pressed DOE on the bill’s purpose and mechanics, questioning why the department could not simply add products to vendor lists or use existing procurement flexibility. DOE explained it was trying to test new local products, including products not yet on the USDA-approved list, and said the bill would allow limited pilot purchases while it works through USDA approval and vendor-list updates. Members also raised concerns about whether the bill was being used to bypass procurement and whether small farmers or aggregators could realistically supply the needed volume.
House Bill 1069, which would add two voting members representing DOE and the Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority, also drew support from DOE and the Board of Education. Supporters said the change would improve accountability, strategic input, and communication on school facilities matters. SFA testified that it has already increased coordination with DOE through regular meetings and that recent discussions have been more robust. Committee members questioned whether voting seats were necessary given that DOE and BOE could already attend meetings and receive updates, and they raised concerns about how a voting representative would report back and whether the measure would actually solve communication problems. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 13th, 2026 at 10:19 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/07/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair votes. Yes. 96. 96. Chairman Roy. Chair votes. Yes. 96. 96.
- We vote moved it, but we didn't vote on it. We stopped. Okay.
- We vote moved it, but we didn't vote on it. We stopped. Okay.
- We vote moved it, but we didn't vote on it. We stopped. Okay.
- The clerk votes yes. Representative The clerk votes yes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- When we have our final markup tomorrow and the final vote, this is not the course that we'll be on, but
- House File 2187 is funding for the DCT electronic health record system and IT projects.
- for supporting direct care and treatment's operational budget and the critical funding for our electronic
- for supporting direct care and treatment's operational budget and the critical funding for our electronic
Bills:
HF2434
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) Mar 5th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I know most people know, but we use witness, electronic witness registration, which is located right
- I would respectfully ask the members of the committee to vote yes for this bill.
- We do have on our application that we do data matches with various electronic data and other organizations
- Every Texton supports data verifications by electronic data sources like. these in as many cases as possible
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- votes eye. votes eye.
- votes I. votes I.
- votes I. votes I.
- votes I. votes I.
- votes no. votes no.
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies.
A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33.
The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery.
After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm voting no.
- And with that, I vote aye. Nine ayes, zero no, one not voting.
- Explain my vote. You may.
- It's a good reason to vote aye. Seven aye, three no, zero not voting.
- It's a good reason to vote aye. Seven aye, three no, zero not voting.
Keywords:
AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, motorcycle registration, safety fund, education, awareness programs, low-income scholarships, motorcycle training, special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations met with all members present, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and announced its final hearing would be the following Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The committee first heard HB 2134, the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which would bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with Chinese companies for access to critical infrastructure, prohibit Chinese-produced software and equipment in certain systems, require annual certifications and reporting, and direct the Corporation Commission and DEMA to implement oversight and emergency communications measures. The sponsor and a witness argued the bill was a targeted national-security measure and a companion to federal efforts; concerns were raised about cost, overlap with federal law, and staffing, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote.
The committee then considered HB 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services in multiple settings. Testimony from lactation consultants, researchers, advocates, and tribal representatives emphasized maternal and infant health benefits, access gaps, and potential Medicaid savings; AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral, with AHCCCS estimating a $1.8 million general fund cost and ADHS saying it could not absorb implementation costs. The committee adopted a 15-page amendment creating a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers and a DHS advisory committee, then passed the bill as amended on a 9-0 vote.
HB 2700, creating a technology-first study committee on assistive technology for people with disabilities, also passed unanimously after testimony from disability advocates and a proposed amendment to add minority-party appointments was discussed but not voted on. HB 2800, which increases the penalty for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was appropriate when the lender may not know the eventual outcome; after testimony from the sponsor and the victim’s widow, the bill passed 9-1. HB 2114, which uses motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and requires ADOT to issue motorcycle registrations only when an owner has a class M license, passed 10-0 amid concerns that the license language may need clarification on the floor. The committee then began HB 2127, an omnibus special-plates bill with multiple amendments, but discussion centered on whether one amendment was hostile and whether a community-college plate should be offered later; no final action on HB 2127 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- vote annually. vote annually.
- to vote.
- >> The clerk votes yes. >> The clerk votes yes.
- The clerk vote motion, you will vote no.
- >> The clerk votes, yes. Representative >> The clerk votes, yes.
Summary:
The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported.
The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Just respectfully ask for your aye vote. Great. That is out with Republicans not voting, with Mr.
- Tangipa voting aye and Mr. Ta voting no. Thank you, Ms. Irwin. Thank you. And next I and Mr.
- For these reasons, we urge a no vote. Thank you.
- Appreciate an aye vote. That is out with Republicans not voting, with Mr. Hoover voting no and Mr.
- You are here and your votes are recorded. Thank you. You are here and your votes are recorded.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures.
The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended.
During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on HR 90 and HCR 94 as is.
- Okay, seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on HR 135 and HCR 141 with amendments.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on HR 156 and HCR 161 as is.
- <00:24:15.039>
Voting <00:24:15.440>on the vote. Okay. Voting on the vote. Okay. - We're adjourned. chair for the vote. Okay, voting on chair for the vote.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on culture, heritage, and community partnerships. HR 90/HCR 94 would request a proclamation designating Hawaiʻi as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025. HR 123/HCR 127 urged the state to acquire the Hawaiʻi Theater to preserve its historic and cultural significance and keep it publicly accessible; testimony from Hawaiʻi Theater Center leadership emphasized rising insurance costs and the theater’s long-term viability. HR 135/HCR 141 sought a working group to study a Hawaiʻi Cultural Trust, with support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission; the LGBTQ+ Commission asked for a seat at the table to ensure queer history is included. HR 156/HCR 161 urged counties to establish sister-city relationships with Pacific Island municipalities, and HR 158/HCR 163 urged SFCA to create an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, which SFCA said it was already exploring.
During decision-making, the committee adopted all measures. HR 90/HCR 94 and HR 123/HCR 127 were passed as is. HR 135/HCR 141 was adopted with amendments adding the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and a member of the LGBTQIA+ commission to the working group. HR 156/HCR 161 was adopted as is. HR 158/HCR 163 was adopted with a technical amendment clarifying that copies did not need to be provided to the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House. No opposition or reservations were recorded on the votes, and the meeting adjourned after the final adoption.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (10/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- the ones who reach out to the prescriber so that the individual doesn't have to, and they do it electronically
- . electronically. electronically.
- which they do electronically. which they do electronically.
- 00:54:45.040>
abstaining <00:54:45.520>from <00:54:45.760>the <00:54:45.920>vote - Leechman is abstaining from the vote. Leechman is abstaining from the vote.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the September 5 minutes and then approved the remaining consent calendar items after removing several bills for separate consideration, including 25-252, 25-248, 25-251, and 25-253. The committee then took up 25-252 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, where members asked about the arts tax credit program, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Department representatives said the program had recently been authorized, forms had been finalized, three of six laid-off staff had been rehired through a federal grant, and the agency was now trying to recruit participants. Members also discussed whether tax-credit-raised funds could count as federal match; the department said they could not, because federal rules require state dollars. The item was adopted.
The committee next considered 25-248 from the Department of Safety, which was described as a technical correction moving funds from equipment to hardware and software after consultation with the Department of Administrative Services. A member asked about “buy American” waivers, and the department said it would follow up with more information. The item was adopted. The committee then approved 25-251 from the Department of Administrative Services, which included discussion of ongoing problems with Anthem’s retiree health plan mail-order pharmacy. Department staff said many issues were tied to implementation changes and prescription renewal rules, that some complaints were being resolved through the vendor and the retiree health office, and that the contract would be rebid in the coming year, likely causing further changes.
On 25-253 from the Department of Health and Human Services, members questioned the department’s September 5 health alert and whether it diverged from CDC guidance. DHHS said the alert was an annual evidence-based guideline for respiratory virus season and immunizations, largely aligned with CDC recommendations, and that some differences reflected timing and population-specific guidance. The item was adopted. The committee then heard 25-237 from the Department of Justice on the annual litigation fund request. Attorney General John Formela said the request was about $4.3 million, roughly 40% below last year and below the five-year average, with major costs tied to YDC civil and criminal litigation and some DHHS class actions. A member criticized the large increase over the budgeted $350,000 and said the budgeting approach should be corrected in the next cycle. Another member asked about YDC settlement reductions; the attorney general said confidentiality limited specifics, but explained that under the new statute the office had accepted well over half of administrator awards, rejected some, and negotiated lower amounts in others while still resolving most cases. The item remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.