Video & Transcript Research : 'referendum equalization aid'

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2805 requires the Secretary of State to expand access to the EQUAL
  • and prescribes requirements similar to those already in place for candidates who can currently use EQUAL
  • Additionally, the bill requires any candidate that is allowed to use EQUAL to designate whether they
  • Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2805 requires the Secretary of State to expand access to the EQUAL
  • Additionally, the bill requires any candidate that is allowed to use EQUAL to designate whether they
Summary: The committee approved the minutes and announced several bills would be held at the sponsors’ request, including HB 4117, HCR 2016, HCR 2051, and HB 2415. It then took up HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly interfering with a lawful arrest and make that conduct a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney representative, argued the bill closes a loophole and protects officers from third-party interference during arrests, while opponents from criminal justice and civil liberties groups said existing laws already cover the conduct and warned the bill could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The committee debated whether the bill duplicated resisting arrest and hindering prosecution statutes, then passed HB 2811 on a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next heard HB 2665, which would create a manslaughter offense for an adult who intentionally gives advice or encouragement through a directed communication to a minor to die by suicide, including via social media or text. Representative Carter and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to online encouragement and a way to hold people accountable when minors are clearly urged toward suicide. The committee then passed HB 2665 unanimously, 6-0 with one not voting. It also approved HB 2857, allowing the Department of Corrections to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, by a 5-1 vote. The committee then passed HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans to services and possible treatment court referrals; an amendment shifted the service-notice duty from prosecutors to the court. Supporters said the bill helps identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and can reduce recidivism, and it passed 6-0. HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance action in superior court, drew sharp disagreement over the AG’s use of nuisance litigation against businesses such as dairies, industrial plants, and rail projects; supporters framed it as local control and opposition to overreach, while opponents said it would weaken accountability and protect corporate interests. The committee passed HB 2168 on a 3-2 vote with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters argued it would keep serious child offenders on supervision and protect victims, while opponents, including survivors and defense advocates, said DCAC is a sentencing enhancement rather than a standalone offense, that the bill removes judicial discretion, may raise ex post facto concerns, and could sweep in lower-level online conduct. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee then began hearing HCR 2001, a voter referral to end early voting the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and restrict mail ballot procedures; the sponsor said it would improve election integrity and speed results, while opponents argued it would burden voters and reduce access. The transcript cuts off during testimony and debate on that measure.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2026 at 12:10 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The way I see that how this is written, this will apply equally to a billion dollar valued home as to
  • This is a band-aid on a gaping hole.
  • Uh, Senate Bill 1884 is the bill to expand equal access. We already have currently equal access.
  • **Senate Bill 1884** is a bill to expand equal access. We already have...
  • Equally across from community pharmacies to their own to cover that cost.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 26th, 2026 at 08:30 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (06/04/2026)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The way we're doing it now is creating a referendum, which New Hampshire is not a referendum state.
  • Thank you, Madam President. not a referendum state. So, I think that not a referendum state.
  • we've had a school building aid we've had a school building aid moratorum.<01:38:33.280> Um
  • And then, where's my aide? Sophie.
  • Uh, I get to now talk about my aide, Joshua, who's leaving. Also, my third aide in four years.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Finance - 04/29/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • general education aid.
  • So, the entire cost of this program was paid for in aid by adjusting the equalization factors for long-term
  • by adjusting the paid for in aid by adjusting the equalization<01:25:03.040> factors<01:25:03.440
  • requests nor receive aid. requests nor receive aid. So<01:54:42.639> Mr.
  • aid.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Policy Committee 2/12/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • or limited by federal law, so long as that transfer does not inadvertently trigger additional state aid
  • ><00:12:49.680> or<00:12:50.000> increase<00:12:50.839> local additional state aid
  • or increase local additional state aid or increase local Levy<00:12:52.839> the<00:12:53.000>
  • If our school board was given... operating referendum perhaps a capital operating referendum perhaps
  • And if you want our students to have equitable, um, and equality of opportunity, you've got to start
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I... to do it by popular referendum.
  • No filter, no regrets, no hearing aids. No regrets, no hearing aids. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.
  • Diet Coke in hand, hearing aids Diet Coke in hand, hearing aids optional.
  • I want to thank my aides, past and present, who’ve been incredible.
  • I was an aide in this building to Senators Jack Taylor and Ron Tech back in 2005.
Keywords: 981, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/30/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • , he would not have any opposition to a referendum.
  • The first referendum passed with almost 87%, and he said the second referendum would probably be the
  • He said he would not have any opposition to a referendum.
  • The first referendum passed with almost 87%.
  • Uh, the question was on the referendum aspect of it.
Keywords: 1183, house
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill stipulates that if an emergency measure placed on the ballot for referendum does not receive
  • The bill stipulates that if an emergency measure placed on the ballot for referendum does not receive
  • I'm sorry. ...to try to put it on a ballot and get a referendum to approve that.
  • Because Mesa residents used a referendum to stop it from going through.
  • The IRC must create legislative districts of equal citizen population rather than equal population.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1036, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring five weekly work-search actions, weekly reporting to DES, cross-checks against outside data sets before payment, and employer reporting when former employees refuse work or return-to-work offers. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is aimed at reducing fraud and overpayments and encouraging faster reemployment, while DES said it was neutral but warned of implementation costs, added workload, and possible impacts on apprenticeship programs and appeals. After a technical amendment was adopted, the bill received a do-pass as amended recommendation on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1054, a strike-everything amendment dealing with city and town emergency measures. The bill would make local emergency ordinances and resolutions subject to referendum, with a 30-day filing window and a ballot vote determining whether the measure remains in effect. Mayors and council members from Payson testified in support, describing repeated use of emergency clauses to pass tax and bond measures and arguing the practice undermines the constitutional referendum right; the League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed the bill, saying it would defeat the purpose of emergency powers and slow city responses to true crises. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass as amended recommendation on a 4-2 vote. Next, SCR 1022 was heard, proposing to increase the House from 60 to 90 members, with three House districts nested within each Senate district, subject to voter approval and delayed applicability. The sponsor argued the change would improve representation by reducing the number of constituents per legislator and make Arizona more in line with other states; some members raised concerns about cost, logistics, and the need for more study, while one public witness strongly supported the measure. After adopting an amendment delaying implementation from 2033 to 2043, the resolution received a do-pass as amended recommendation on a 5-2 vote. The committee also approved SB 1271, which would bar municipalities from penalizing businesses based on the number of emergency-service calls or the value of stolen or damaged property, with exceptions for malicious, knowingly false, or frivolous calls. Supporters said the bill protects businesses from being discouraged from calling 911, and the Goldwater Institute said it would preserve access to emergency services while still allowing action on false alarms; the bill passed 6-1. SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive manner possible and electronically when requested, also passed unanimously after testimony from Goldwater about high fees and delays for electronic records. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1439, a strike-everything amendment creating a Conservative Grassroots Network special license plate and fund, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that item.
VA

Virginia 2026 1st Special Session

June 29, 2026 - Special Session 1

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • equality is hope.
  • Like many states, Virginia once explicitly denied LGBT+ people equal...
  • Now that we're celebrating in June, let's pass the marriage equality amendment in November.
  • Amendment 1, providing for additional cost of referendums. It is item 77.
  • This is the referendum, executing the referendums that are coming up for a vote this year, and I would
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Elections - 04/08/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • , an operating level referendum, on that or any kind of funding referendum that would increase your property
  • , an operating level referendum, on that or any kind of funding referendum that would increase your property
  • , an operating level referendum, on that or any kind of funding referendum that would increase your property
  • , an operating level referendum, on that or any kind of funding referendum that would increase your property
  • , an operating level referendum, on that or any kind of funding referendum that would increase your property
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The communities that are not receiving anything more than minimum aid increases from the Commonwealth
  • And they're going to see, once again, minimum aid for over 211—I'm sorry, I don't have the exact number
  • They're going to say, well, in House 2, we got $75 per pupil minimum aid. That's all we got.
  • Thank you. $75 per pupil minimum aid. That's all we got.
  • As a signal, number one, to the 200-plus communities that are getting minimum aid, that we hear them;
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate took up a higher education capital bond bill, House 4769, and considered a long series of amendments focused largely on campus facilities, housing, and related policy issues. Many amendments were adopted, including funding or project language for MassBay Community College HVAC and window replacement, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College nursing/allied health expansion and housing-related land use, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College, Middlesex Community College, Salem State’s Sullivan Building, Roxbury Community College’s Center for Economic and Social Justice, UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and several Massachusetts State College Building Authority updates. Some amendments were rejected, including proposals on a sustainable hand hygiene incentive program, unlocking housing on surplus land, a Senator Bill Owen Center designation, Urban College of Boston, and a board membership change. A number of amendments were held or withdrawn during the process. A major debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of surtax revenue to K-12 education, framed as a response to Chapter 70 funding concerns and the need to modernize school aid. Supporters argued that local districts face rising costs and that the state should set aside fair share revenue for school funding and future school building investments. Opponents said the bill was the wrong vehicle and noted the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax revenue to K-12 programs. The amendment was defeated by roll call. Tarr also offered amendments on a safety valve for surtax revenue declines, equity analysis of surtax allocations, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections; those were not adopted. The Senate also adopted a separate amendment on AP credit policies at public higher education institutions, though the transcript reflects some procedural confusion around that vote. After completing amendments, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a recorded vote of 38-0. Senators then adopted several extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending bills, including Environment and Natural Resources and Municipalities and Regional Government. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. The session concluded with a unanimous memorial adjournment in honor of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, followed by a brief statement recognizing Rare Disease Day and the challenges faced by patients seeking diagnosis and treatment.
VA

Virginia 2026 1st Special Session

June 29, 2026 - Special Session 1

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Virginia, and the emotion at the heart of the movement for full equality: hope.
  • Like many states, Virginia once explicitly denied LGBTQ+ people equal protection under the law.
  • Now that we're celebrating in June, let's pass the marriage equality amendment in November.
  • So we now have before the body Amendment 1, providing for additional cost of referendums.
  • This is the referendum executing the referendums that are coming up for a vote this year, and I would
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members received introductions of Pastor Ralph S. Hodge of Second Baptist Church in Richmond and students from the 26th District and surrounding areas. The House also adopted House Resolution 2195 honoring Robert Stouffer, with a request that adjournment be in his memory. During personal privilege remarks, members spoke on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights, and another member delivered a lengthy floor speech opposing firearm restrictions and defending self-defense rights. The chamber then adopted memorial and commending resolutions in blocks, including additional commending resolutions added by the clerk. The main item of business was House Bill 30, the budget, on which the House considered the governor’s 14 amendments. Amendments 3, 4, and 5 were taken up together and adopted, followed by adoption of Amendment 1 on referendum costs, Amendment 2 on Atlantic research support, Amendment 6 expanding REGO utility credit to cooperatives, Amendment 7 clarifying law-enforcement facial covering restrictions, Amendment 8 creating a firefighter cancer screening grant program, Amendment 9 funding a digital services team, Amendment 10 relating to acquisition of Oak Hill Farm, Amendment 11 on data center electricity tax technical changes, Amendment 12 on local sales tax referendum timing, Amendment 13 on paid sick leave, and Amendment 14 on firearms in public areas and delayed enactment. Most amendments passed by substantial margins, with Amendment 8 adopted unanimously. The House completed work on the calendar and then agreed to a motion to stand in recess pursuant to House Resolution 2069.