Video & Transcript Research : 'transparency in voting'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (6-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I came in in early 23. So, it new. I came in in early 23.
- And in my terms in the agreement were.
- We did provide in all transparency funding of $7 million to the local community in order to do this project
- The construction into in in more detail.
- in North America, in the Western States, in North America, in the Western world.<00:57:34.400>
So<
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Discussion of Nickels and School Facility Funding 00:02:13
Economic Development Projects in Elizabethtown and Hopkinsville 00:29:33
Correspondence and Reports Received 01:09:25, 958, all
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match.
The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium.
Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
County and Municipal Government Feb 11th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Open up the vote. Ur ner today. More yet. Everybody voted. Can't vote.
- Open up the vote. More, yes. Turner, yes. Everybody's voted. Camp votes.
- In debate? Of debate? We open up for questions or open up the vote. I'm sorry, Turner, yes.
- Open up the vote. A yes. Everybody voted. Count votes with six zero nay.
- Do pass in second. In debate? No debate. Open vote. Turner, yes. Can't vote. Nay. Six zero. Nay.
Keywords:
property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, public utility, municipal water, wastewater services, liability protection, third-party contractors, infrastructure maintenance, emergency response, regulatory compliance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations, animal shelter licensing, county purchasing, procurement practices
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes in what way?
- Under this bill, shareholders must hold at least $1 million in voting securities. or 3% of the corporation's
- We need to address the lack of transparency in their credit card fees and let them be able to show the
- in in a mystery and and center Middleton.
- Like a Corvette. or a CarMax, there are protections in place, this does not. transparency, and so we
Bills:
SB264, SB542, SB924, SB1008, SB1029, SB1036, SB1057, SB1058, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1376, SB1569, SB1664, SB1697, SJR50
Keywords:
SB 264, Texas Workers' Compensation Act, group self-insurance, self-insured groups, workers' compensation, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, certificate of approval, guaranty fund, trust fund, wind down, dissolution, labor code, insurance regulation, employer coverage, risk pool, business and commerce, trade workforce economic development, property owners' association, water conservation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government REVISED Mar 3rd, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll take a voice vote on the amendment.
- Mimics exactly OMES's language in their title.
- It's not necessarily in 1f05.
- The vote will now occur. If you're in favor of the measure, vote aye. If you're opposed, vote nay.
- The vote will now occur on Bill 2130. If you're in favor of the measure, you'll vote 'aye.'
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 20, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- place in statute and it's just increasing recordkeeping, transparency, and ability for public participation
- place in statute and it's just increasing recordkeeping, transparency, and ability for public participation
- place in statute and it's just increasing recordkeeping, transparency, and ability for public participation
- In the Secretary of State's rules on the voting machine system test, which was a bill that you heard
- Who wants to weigh in? Who wants to weigh in?
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 20, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's unprecedented to use the filibuster in the The Texas Senate for the purpose of campaign fundraising
- And it forces employees to assist and participate in her campaign.
- In addition, members are here today on a Friday night on a weekend after a long two or three sessions
- Back in 2021, I spoke for 15 hours and seven minutes without food or water to defend voting rights.
- That is why I need you in my corner and to rush a donation now and join me in this fight.
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Are located in areas that have any polarized voting, racially polarized voting.
- Vote the same way, or the minority groups in that district vote the same way, as opposed to a different
- There are 26 members voting. Five-ninths equals 15. Sixteen votes were cast in favor.
- Voting blocks. What voting blocks do we have here in the state of Texas? I'm sorry, voting blocks.
- Chairman, that 40% of the votes are in favor of the president?
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So in 2021, you voted for congressional maps, and you felt that those maps were fair within the Voting
- Are we in a courtroom? You don't want to be transparent to people?
- There is nothing that is not transparent in this process.
- What was the specific purpose in creating a CD35 with a Hispanic citizen voting age?
- What role did the metric of Hispanic citizen voting age population play in the...
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Everyone in this chamber knows that Black folks in Texas over-vote Democratic.
- Vote in spite of, vote because of this.
- Everybody in this room, every Republican in this room, voted for those maps, even though Senator King
- Law in 1965 in connection with the Voting Rights Act.
- way that this map was in violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Bills:
SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5
Keywords:
disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/3/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- in trying to vote died um was involved in trying to vote with<01:01:21.440>
that with that with - They can now participate in the voting process in a timeline that's better suited to their needs, and
- >
voting <01:13:21.120>process <01:13:21.360>in <01:13:21.520>a <01:13:21.679 - >
timeline <01:13:22.159>that's the voting process in a timeline that's the voting process - We have our annual list maintenance, where if you haven't voted in Minnesota after four years, but ERIC
Keywords:
natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- p.m. in room 225. p.m. in room 225.
- >> In<00:21:43.919>
support. >> In support. >> In support. - >> In<00:21:44.640>
support. >> In support. >> In support. - And it was cited in the Yale study that I included in my testimony.
- >
in <00:27:15.440>my I was in that I included in my I was in that I included in my testimony
Bills:
SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781
Keywords:
state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise
Summary:
The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary.
The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against.
Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- In opposition, correct? >> Correct. In opposition, correct?
- Craig Nakamoto HCD standing in<00:10:04.959>
support. in support. in support. - So, anybody in the audience wishing to jump in on this one?
- <00:20:19.280>
a serve in the executive branch in a serve in the executive branch in a position - may come in. may come in.
Bills:
SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781
Keywords:
state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise
Summary:
The committee heard several government operations measures, beginning with SB 2064 on state construction projects, which would create an office of the state architect within DAGS to oversee design review and approvals for state construction. DAGS said it stood on its written testimony, DECAB supported the bill, DOT supported it, and HGA opposed it. No audience testimony or member questions were taken, and the chair moved on.
The committee then took up SB 2312 on government contracts, which would make records held by private contractors performing government functions subject to UIPA. The State Procurement Office, Attorney General, OIP, ERS, DHS, and HGA offered comments or opposition, while the League of Women Voters, Public First Law Center, All Hawaii News, Grassroots, and several individuals supported the bill. Public First Law Center argued the bill closes a loophole and does not expand or reduce existing exemptions, while OIP and others raised concerns about privacy, confidential information, and the need for clearer procedures. Members discussed possible clarifying amendments, including changing “government function” to “agency,” and the bill was left for further consideration.
Other measures discussed included SB 2662 on government accountability, which would require justification and caps for external consultants; ERS and DOT opposed it, while the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii and Airlines Committee of Hawaii argued consultants are often more efficient and necessary for major projects. The committee also heard SB 2744 on due process, for which no testimony was received; SB 2809 on budget-related reports, with comments from B&F and the Tax Foundation; SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, opposed by the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and supported by one individual; a bill on continuous legislative sessions, with comments from B&F, LRB, and Hope for Hawaii; SB 2336 on tree management standards, supported by an individual and the Outdoor Circle; and SB 2075 on public procurement local preferences, which drew broad support with comments from SPO and the Attorney General and discussion of simplifying the preference structure. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly moved measures along after testimony and questions.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This is our Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, 10:00 a.m. decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at
- So, we will reconvene here in Room 229 on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. to consider action
Bills:
SB2738
Keywords:
tax haven, corporate tax, foreign subsidiaries, income reporting, state revenue, transparency, tax law, penalties, apportionment, economic policy, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The meeting reconvened on Senate Bill 2760 during the Tuesday, February 17, 2026 decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol. The only action discussed was a recommendation to defer action on the measure for one additional day.
Members were informed that the committee would reconvene in Room 229 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. to consider action on the bill. No vote was taken on the measure at this session.
The meeting was then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force (7-9-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e67OjfahPY0, 2026-06-21T07:17:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:01:08
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:15
Charge of the Task Force
Co-Chair Senator Mays Bledsoe: 00:02:02
Co-Chair Representative Bray: 00:03:23
Overview of Artificial Intelligence in the Private Sector
Ryan Harkins, Senior Director, Public Policy U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft: 00:04:35
Overview of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector
Doug Robinson, Executive Director, NASCIO: 01:03:20
Adjournment: 01:55:00, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (8-28-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- in not only steel, but aluminum, also in in not only steel, but aluminum, also in copper,<00:04:
- c><00:23:11.679>
plant <00:23:12.000>in jobs in a in a battery plant in jobs in a in a - <00:24:01.280>
In the US and China in many ways. In the US and China in many ways. - In some...
- So, in an ATC, for example, where they have an opportunity... in common so whether you're in your in
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:22
Forging the Future: Kentucky's National Leadership in Metals Manufacturing 00:01:33
Improvements to Kentucky’s Incentive Programs 00:52:05, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) on Kentucky’s metals industry. Speakers described metals manufacturing and recycling as a major economic backbone for the Commonwealth, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper operations, with broad impacts across production, fabrication, supply chains, and related businesses. They emphasized that the industry supports high-paying jobs, significant capital investment in Kentucky, and is aligned with broader efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing.
A central theme was workforce development. MI2 leaders said the industry faces a persistent talent gap and that current education programs do not always produce the skills needed for modern metals jobs. They argued for stronger exposure and awareness, more direct industry involvement, and a dedicated metals career pathway through high schools, area technology centers, career and technical centers, and KCTCS. They also described pilot efforts in Logan, Warren, and Carroll counties that would introduce students to metals careers in middle school, move them into credits and pathways in high school, and connect them to internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training.
Recycling and supply-chain security were the other major topics. Testimony stressed that recycled inputs are far cheaper than raw ore extraction and that recycling is increasingly important to competitiveness, environmental performance, and keeping materials from leaving the U.S. Speakers also raised concerns about China’s large steel and aluminum capacity and said unfair trade and global market manipulation make it harder for Kentucky producers to compete. Committee members and presenters framed MI2 as a collaborative effort among industry, state government, and academia to strengthen workforce pipelines, recycling, and long-term industry growth. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- in a country in I thank God that I live in a country in a<00:10:57.399>
commonwealth <00:10:58.240 - <00:15:18.360>
uh in uh in Louisville enjoined uh in uh in Louisville enjoined uh enforcement - The Religious Freedom Restoration Act that's already in existence in Kentucky would play a factor in
- 15.440>
in again in in again in in 2013<00:31:17.600>so <00:31:17.760>we're <00: - <00:32:53.919>
Mr Carol vote I and explain my vote Mr Carol vote I and explain my vote Mr
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:07
SB 60: 00:00:53
Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41
SB 130: 00:25:36
SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition.
Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:44.640>
we in everybody's pockets in the world we in everybody's pockets in the world - Representative Petrie: [Vote not fully captured in transcript, likely yes].
- Representative Stevenson: [Vote not fully captured in transcript]. Representative Whitaker: Yes.
- um it was not uh unanimous yes vote um it was not taken<00:36:04.319>
up <00:36:04.520>in< - Do I need a vote? All those in favor, aye. Those opposed, no. It's adopted.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:03
HB 220: 00:01:49
Discussion in Opposition to HB 220: 00:14:37
HB 136: 00:28:21
HB 201: 00:34:14, 958, all
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions.
Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue.
Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote.
The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask you to heed those words, to act in a Christlike manner, and to vote no on Senate Bill 2.
- But again, I think this bill is a step in the right direction, and so for that reason I vote...
- But again, I think this bill is a step in the right direction, and so for that reason I vote...
- But again, I think this bill is a step in the right direction, and so for that reason I vote...
- But again, I think this bill is a step in the right direction, and so for that reason I vote...
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:04
SB 02: 00:01:37
Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:09:49
SB 84: 00:22:19
SB 111: 00:30:35, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, which would prohibit incarcerated people from receiving cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries, while allowing a tapering period if stopping an existing treatment would cause physical harm. Wilson said the bill was needed to prevent the Department of Corrections from providing such care by memo or policy rather than statute, and he argued the care was elective and not medically necessary. Senators Thomas, Neal, Nemes, Styers, and others questioned whether any gender-affirming surgeries had actually occurred in Kentucky, whether the hormone treatments were physician-prescribed, and whether the bill would override medical judgment; Wilson said the department reported no surgeries, that 67 incarcerated people were receiving cross-sex hormone therapy, and that he would only support treatment if it fit the bill’s narrow medical-harm exception.
Public testimony on SB 2 was strongly opposed. Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign said the bill would deny medically necessary care, violate the Eighth Amendment, and target a very small and vulnerable incarcerated population. Dr. Jack Skilles testified that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and supported by major medical organizations, warning that denying it could worsen mental health and lead to suicidality. Hannah Callahan, a transgender woman, described being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated and said the interruption caused severe physical and mental harm, including suicidal thoughts. Emma Curtis, Lexington’s Fourth District councilwoman, also urged a no vote, framing the issue as a matter of compassion and religious duty.
The committee then voted on SB 2. Senator Neal explained his no vote by saying he was not medically trained and deferred to doctors; Senator Nemes said he wanted clarification that the bill would not stop ongoing treatment; and Senator Styers argued the bill was a poor priority and noted there was no fiscal note and that only 67 people were affected. Senator Wheeler moved the bill, Senator Reed seconded, and the committee reported Senate Bill 2 favorably. Afterward, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings, which would limit judicial deference to state agency interpretations and require courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous laws, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision overturning Chevron deference.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:37:38.040>
the <00:37:38.320>in then be higher in a in the in the in then be higher - in in FY27. in in FY27.
- So, we need to make sure that all of the IT needs are also met in this bill, and we are transparent about
- This is very transparent in my estimation.
- This is very transparent in moment here. This is very transparent in my<01:41:08.320>
estimation.
Keywords:
grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension