Video & Transcript Research : 'voting system'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-10-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- We'll leave the roll open so other members can add on their votes.
- This is item 5, SB 985, Strickland, 911 emergency system.
- So we think that that bill will still address the AVs that have that system.
- And then when I'm done voting, Can I recess? And then when I'm done voting, I'm back up here.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed.
The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0.
SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- chair for the vote. chair for the vote.
- for the vote. for the vote.
- If not, vice chair for the vote. vote. vote.
- Voting on House Bill 1721 for the vote.
- systems.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . votes. votes.
- in our system. in our system.
- No members voting members voting yay.
- 02:41:50.880>
members <02:41:51.200>voting members voting yay, no members voting members - Uh, it's not easy for me to vote in favor of a bill that's going to overhaul the system, but it's absolutely
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Nov 7th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- on it, but I'm going to be looking for a pretty strong vote, a voting.
- Maybe you and I may be the only two voting people here. So, let's see. Voting member. I understand.
- I didn't vote for it.
- It's not the way our system works. The system works.
- We all thought we were getting a stronger criminal system by voting in support of that.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, let's go ahead and vote on the bill. >> Roll call vote.
- to put information into the system to put information into the system updated<00:49:26.559>
over - communities to access this system. communities to access this system. >> Okay.
- is also proactive in that this system is also proactive in that this system again<00:54:23.119><
- So regardless of our vote, committee.
Bills:
SF0101
Keywords:
Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- more towards that system.
- I've heard this comment, but what is really frustrating... ...voting against it.
- The votes speak for themselves.
- So this will be a motion to reconsider the vote?
- Ask for— is there needs to be a motion to reconsider the vote on that?
Bills:
SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243
Keywords:
motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners
Summary:
The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended.
The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so that Milford Towns voted it down.
- I knew I'd get that right eventually<00:09:44.720>
system. - Um, I in line who could vote quickly.
- college system of New Hampshire.<00:28:04.960>
The Hampshire. - Okay, we did, did, did, sorry, university system.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote.<00:45:28.160>
Closed. Vote. Closed. Vote. Closed. - Closing<01:09:59.199>
vote. Closing vote. Closing vote. - > deterrent. you know, vote it up or vote deterrent. you know, vote it up or vote it<01:27:09.120>
- Closing vote. Vote closed.
- Vote.<01:30:57.760>
Closed. Vote. Closed. Vote. Closed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone else voting no? All other members vote aye.
- <00:30:00.880>
Members voting no? Members voting no? - All members vote I chair. reservations? All members vote I chair.
- Chair votes<00:34:54.079>
I. votes I. votes I. - All other members vote I. reservation? All other members vote I.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs considered three bills. SB 2141 would reclassify certain Department of Law Enforcement leadership and employees as Class A members for retirement purposes and adjust retirement benefit calculations. DLE supported the bill, saying it would address retirement classification without enhancing benefits, while the Employees’ Retirement System said it had no formal board position but wanted key provisions preserved. The Deputy Attorney General raised a potential title/subject issue and warned the bill could be vulnerable to challenge because the reclassification, contribution changes, and benefit calculations are in separate statutory sections. After questions about the number of affected employees and possible amendments, the committees deferred the bill.
SB 2593 would exempt certain Law Enforcement Standards Board positions from civil service and collective bargaining. The board’s administrator said the positions would handle sensitive and confidential information and require specialized experience, and the board chair’s representative said the bill was important to meet certification deadlines. Opposition testimony from HGA argued exempt employees are at-will and suggested civil service protections should remain, with any staffing issues handled through reclassification or other personnel tools. Committee members questioned whether the positions could instead be civil service but excluded from bargaining, and staff explained the distinction between civil service exemption and collective bargaining exclusion. The committees ultimately recommended passing SB 2593 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of January 1, 2077, and the recommendation was adopted.
SB 2824 would create a bribery-related reporting duty for public servants. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said it would establish a clear duty to report known or suspected bribery and strengthen public trust. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, saying it would criminalize an affirmative duty to report another person’s misconduct. After limited discussion, both committees voted to pass SB 2824 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then adjourned.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- so that we can continue to have the best system in the country.
- Their gripe is with the system. It is not with this bill.
- That's not a threat to the system. system. That's how the system is supposed to work.
- The real danger is a system that prevents public oversight.
- But I couldn't figure out on the little system to do it.
Keywords:
county appraisal district, board of directors, governance, taxing units, public representation, penalty, property report, taxation, timely filing, chief appraiser, appraisal district, ad valorem tax, property appraisal, tax protests, unequal appraisal, property rights, property tax, public employees, protest leave, appraisal review board
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 21, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on House Bill 194 as is. Chair and Vice Chair vote: I.
- members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote voting<00:49:38.440
- c> reservations no vote uh no vote for reservations no vote uh no vote for representative<00:49:50.599
- vote voting on House Vice chair for the vote voting on House Bill<00:50:12.799>
345 Bill 345 - If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on HB 1343 HD1.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments.
The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition.
HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators will proceed to vote. If all senators voted.
- Senators will proceed to vote. ...proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Members will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- to vote.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields.
Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:06:08.639>
and manner but to gain more votes and manner but to gain more votes and naturally - action what we have here is a A system action what we have here is a A system that<01:08:05.319>
- was, who the vote was for.
the <03:39:20.600>vote intent of that vote was um who the vote intent of that vote was- vote.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- By a vote of 13 eyes and 2 knows you voted House Committee substitute for Senate Bill, 878 is due pass
- By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 3457
- By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Resolution
- By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Resolution 4661 do pass.
- By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Resolution 4661 do pass.
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and first took up Senate Bill 878, a pharmacy-related bill by Senator Fitzwater. Members adopted a committee substitute and a committee amendment before voting the bill do pass by a vote of 13 ayes and 2 noes. The substitute added language previously seen in other legislation on pseudoephedrine and 340B, and the amendment aligned the bill with Senate floor language on ivermectin.
The committee then considered House Bill 3457, Representative Burns’ medically complex patients bill. Members adopted a substitute that narrowed the definition of “medically complex patient,” changed one provision from “shall” to “may,” and required primary care physician approval of a care plan before it could be entered into the alert system. One member raised concerns about making hydroxychloroquine over-the-counter and about pharmacists prescribing class two devices such as CPAP machines, but the substitute and then the bill itself were both approved unanimously, 15-0.
Finally, the committee approved two resolutions sponsored by Representative Hruza. House Resolution 5380, on ALS awareness, was amended to add more encouragement for assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication, then passed 15-0. House Resolution 4661, on chronic kidney disease, was also voted do pass 15-0. The meeting ended after brief closing remarks and adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So if we believe in the justice system and we believe that innocent until proven guilty is the case,
- So if we believe in the justice system and we believe that innocent until proven guilty is the case,
- So if we believe in the justice system and we believe that innocent until proven guilty is the case,
- Clerk votes yes. Clerk votes yes. Representative<00:14:53.760>
Miner. <00:14:54.560>Yes. - alternatives to the the current system alternatives to the the current system the<00:17:22.640><
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on SB 302, a bill requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Members discussed and adopted amendment 2025-2219H, which incorporated language from prior Senate and House amendments, including provisions related to the siting evaluation committee and changes affecting landfill expansions and additional cells. The amendment also folded in language from HB 616, the animal cruelty/due process bill, which members said clarifies probable cause, imminent danger, temporary protective custody, and the role of the state veterinarian or designee in animal seizure decisions. Several members emphasized that the bill does not bar seizure of animals in emergencies or prevent nonprofits from fundraising, and that the changes are intended to strengthen due process and reduce conflicts of interest.
The committee voted 12-0 to adopt the amendment. It then voted 12-0 to give SB 302 an OTPA recommendation with the amendment included. After the vote, the director raised a concern that the amendment appeared to eliminate the waste management council and related appeal provisions in the governing statutes; members acknowledged the issue and said it was intentional or at least acceptable to address later in committee of conference, where they expected further changes. The committee then agreed to place the bill on the consent calendar.
After concluding the executive session, the committee discussed an afternoon field trip to research farms in Lee and Durham. They also accepted an invitation to visit a farm in Fremont on May 30 at 10:00 a.m., with the address provided as 63 South Road, Fremont, New Hampshire.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-24 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators will proceed to vote. All members voted.
- Senators will proceed to vote. Proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Members will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted. All senators voted.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. Members then moved to the special order calendar after adopting a motion to reconsider the earlier failed vote on CS/SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. The chamber also temporarily postponed several bills during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, Brownfields, and school social workers.
The Senate passed a series of bills with little or no opposition, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included expedited DNA testing grants for law enforcement; additional aggravating factors in capital felony sentencing; fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients; commuter rail indemnification; disposition of migrant vessels; specialty license plates; an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign; relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University; charter school changes; registration rules for sexual predators and offenders; assault and battery penalties for utility workers; juvenile justice revisions; reporting of student mental health outcomes; foster home licensure transfers; water access facilities and boating-related funding; Florida Virtual School changes; school readiness program improvements; protections against lewd sexual images of children; age-related criminal offense provisions; tampering with electronic monitoring devices; certified recovery residences; and codification of the FSU Election Law Center. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly, though the charter school bill and the aggravating factors bill drew more divided votes.
One of the most debated measures was SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office employees while on duty and using government resources, citing alleged election-related emails and concerns about mixing government and religious influence. Supporters argued the amendment was needed as a guardrail; opponents said existing law already covered the conduct and that the amendment could be confusing or overly broad. The amendment failed 13-23, and the underlying bill passed 27-9 after extended debate about faith, politics, and the office’s role. Another notable debate involved SB 954 on certified recovery residences, where senators emphasized the need for stable housing in addiction recovery and the bill passed unanimously after supportive remarks from members who had personal experience with recovery. The Senate also passed SB 674 on bonuses for county tax collector and property appraiser employees after questions about safeguards and the purpose of the bonuses.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/09/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- it could certainly be an opt-in system it could certainly be an opt-in system if<01:11:44.239>
- Um, so I have one of these systems.
- um is likely to be a unanimous vote for um is likely to be a unanimous vote for the<02:27:17.840>
- FN relative to the enhanced 911 system FN relative to the enhanced 911 system fund,<02:32:33.920
- equitable contributions to system equitable contributions to system efficiency,<05:36:41.200>
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:59:20.960>
All Ready to vote? All in favor say I. All Ready to vote? - Are you ready to vote? Senator Filling. Are you ready to vote? Senator Filling.
- hurt my feelings no matter how you vote hurt my feelings no matter how you vote on<01:16:04.480>
- >
do Ready to vote? - Votes title sufficient do Ready to vote?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions.
The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially.
The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.