Video & Transcript Research : 'voting'
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- vote of 11 eyes and zero naz. vote of 11 eyes and zero naz.
- I'm voting for it.
- before our final vote. before our final vote. >> Thank<01:14:46.000>
you. - The<01:34:18.320>
vote <01:34:19.440>however The vote however The vote however is<01:34 - will go vote with you. will go vote with you.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber approved routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day. The Senate also received several House messages referring bills to committee, including local constitutional amendments for Limestone, Blount, and Mobile counties, a human cloning bill, a Fair Campaign Practices Act bill, a public education bill, a court fees bill, and a physician assistance bill.
Committee reports were then taken up. The Finance and Taxation General Fund, Confirmations, State Governmental Affairs, County and Municipal Government, Education Policy, Banking and Insurance, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Transportation and Energy, and Local Legislation committees all reported a number of bills favorably, many with amendments or substitutes. Several measures were advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day, and the Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Eileen Meyer and Tiffany Martin to the Alabama Board of Midwifery, Jennifer Ag, Jerry Gross, and Edgar Hower II to the University of West Alabama Board of Trustees, Patricia Sims, Tony Cochran, and Sandy Stimson to the Alabama State Port Authority Board of Directors.
The Senate then adopted a special order calendar under Senate Resolution 34, setting the order of business for the 10th legislative day. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 161, the App Store Accountability Act, which was described as a child-protection measure requiring parental permission, age verification by app stores, accurate app age ratings, and limits on minors entering contracts through app downloads. Senators speaking in support said the bill was needed to protect children from harmful online content and preserve parental control, and they discussed an amendment clarifying the meaning of “act” and preserving compliance with other state age-verification laws. The debate was ongoing in the portion provided, and no final vote on HB 161 appears in this excerpt.
WY
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a vote of no. a vote of no.
- Those<00:59:34.400>
voting <00:59:34.720>no. Those voting no. Those voting no. - Voting<01:33:49.240>
present. Voting present. Voting present. - Voting<01:35:44.760>
no. Voting no. Voting no. Present. Present. Present. - vote no.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries.
A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures.
The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's nothing to vote no on. To pass failed, so there's nothing to vote no on.
- Senator Burckhard wasn't able to, we could not hear his vote on the final vote to send the bill to the
- Okay, so he voted. It wasn't recorded and he would like to have his vote recorded.
- I'm a— I'm deeply disappointed that my vote was not recorded, and I voted yes the first time on the do
- We'll have a vote. No discussion. We'll have a vote on accepting the amendment. Please, roll call.
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action.
The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-04-30 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But I would ask that the body vote.
- I will speak I think we had a 3-3 vote I will speak I think we had a 3-3 vote and<01:13:00.560><
- I'm guessing the vote, and if we voted on what was in the calendar, it'd be 0-7.
- I'm guessing the vote, and if we voted on what was in the calendar, it'd be 0-7.
- I'm guessing the vote, and if we voted on what was in the calendar, it'd be 0-7.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . vote. vote.
- Vote yes."
- Vote yes."
- Vote<01:23:08.680>
yes. Vote yes. Vote yes. Representative<01:23:10.080>Piatt. - The chair votes yes. take the roll. The chair votes yes. Chair<01:41:44.880>
Backer?
Keywords:
HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Five members voting. members then. Five members voting.
- . vote. vote.
- Any<01:45:55.400>
aye <01:45:55.520>votes? Any aye votes? Any aye votes? - voting with reservations? Any no votes? voting with reservations? Any no votes?
- Any voting with reservations? Any no Any voting with reservations? Any no votes?
Summary:
The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location.
Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:35:52.160>
The vote. Voting on HB1 1868. The vote. Voting on HB1 1868. - Any<02:38:29.120>
no <02:38:29.359>votes? Any no votes? Any no votes? - Any<02:38:56.240>
no <02:38:56.479>votes? Any no votes? Any no votes? - <02:42:20.479>
The the vote. Voting on HB1 1711. The the vote. Voting on HB1 1711. - Any<02:42:26.000>
no <02:42:26.240>votes? Any no votes? Any no votes?
Bills:
HB2611, HB2102, HB1710, HB1868, HB1920, HB1812, HB1733, HB1715, HB1723, HB1724, HB1727, HB1711
Keywords:
HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent.
The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, nine uh seven one no vote. >> Rep. Peoples, no vote. Uh, Rep. Luno, >> Rep.
- /c><03:50:47.199>
the frequently vote when we vote on the frequently vote when we vote on the - they're bypassing the annual vote. they're bypassing the annual vote.
- <04:48:24.958>
That's vote. Can't get closer than that. That's vote. - >> I will be voting. >> I will be voting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no questions or debate, please open the cue for a vote. I.
- I feel certain that I'm going to vote on your bill.
- Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote.
- Seeing none, please open the queue for a vote.
- Seeing none, please open the cue for a vote. That's 10 to 1.
Bills:
SB137, SB372, SB1209, SB1226, SB1256, SB1303, SB1595, SB1636, SB1772, SB1827, SB1876, SB1944, SB2072, SB2104, SB2180
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB372, firearms, gun rights, lawful carry, concealed carry, open carry, handgun license, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, weapons policy, gun law, school safety, private school, public school, college campus, university campus
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 03/24/202
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- So with that, we have three voting members present, that includes myself, and voting sheets of the rest
- And, since we have eight bills on the committee agenda, we will vote on the first bill.
- So one person is not voting on this. Thank you. No AWRs.
- Upon reading the voting sheets of all seven members, the vote is all in favor, with an aye.
- Six voted aye, one voted AWR, zero voted nay. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and leave benefits for several groups, including NYC sanitation members (S-4667A), NYC correction members (S-4706A), county and municipal airport firefighters (S-9262), NYC water supply police (S-9356), EMT members in the NYC Employees’ Retirement System (S-9378), Suffolk County correction officers (S-9394), and Civil Air Patrol members on Air Force-assigned missions (S-9406). The committee also took up S.A.424A, which would provide a legacy credit to children and siblings of military service members or those killed in the line of duty; members spoke in support of the bill as a way to recognize and support military families.
Most bills were moved without opposition and received unanimous approval, with the chair repeatedly confirming vote counts from the voting sheets. S-4667A, S-4706A, S.A.424A, S-9262, S-9356, S-9378, and S-9394 each received seven ayes, zero nays, and zero abstentions/AWRs. S-9406 also advanced, but with one AWR and six ayes. Members offered brief supportive comments on several bills, especially those benefiting veterans, correction officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers.
All eight bills were reported out of committee, most to the Finance Committee and S.A.424A to the floor. The meeting then adjourned after no further business was raised.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, unlock the board and senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Have all senators voted? Lock the board and record the vote. >> 32 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.
- Senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
- Secretary, lock the board and senators proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- Members proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A record vote is required by the Constitution. Clerk, please ring the bell.
- Speaker: Show Representative Hunter voting aye. Show Mr. Dutton voting aye. Show Ms.
- Morales voting aye. Show Ms. Hinojosa voting aye. All right.
- A record vote is required by the Constitution.
- We will now proceed to vote on H.R. 114.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/23/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- vote no.
- Vice Chairman McDonald voted yes. Representative Guthrie voted yes. Representative Dolan voted yes.
- Representative Walker voted yes. Representative Stavis voted yes. Representative Gilman voted yes.
- Representative Magor voted yes. Representative Frock voted yes. Representative Colby voted yes.
- Representative Jama voted yes. Representative Gerard voted yes. Representative Grund voted yes.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- call vote. call vote.
- I didn't hear my name called, so I was wanting to vote. >> No, state your vote, please. >> I. >> Voted
- that her vote counted. that her vote counted.
- counting the vote. counting the vote.
- recorded voting no? recorded voting no?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions.
Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism.
The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- estimate of a couple thousand per voting estimate of a couple thousand per voting but<00:25:17.480
- we don't know if somebody went voting we don't know if somebody went and<00:39:15.920>
voted < - because this whole things about voting because this whole things about voting you<00:45:28.920><
- That's been the practice, just voting to delete it, voting to keep it in, or voting to amend it in some
- /c><02:56:47.640>
to <02:56:47.800>amend voting to keep it in or voting to amend voting
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. Department of Education testimony said the bill’s definition would conflict with the federal definition and be unusually restrictive, potentially affecting curriculum, educator training, and many existing state requirements. The department said it could force a broad overhaul of school programs and create a need for at least one new state position, with local districts likely facing significant unbudgeted costs. Members raised concerns about impacts on federal pass-through funding, curriculum materials, and whether the bill was workable at all.
Several members said the proposal would be too costly and difficult to implement, especially during a tight budget cycle. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. Members who supported retention said they wanted to set the bill aside because of the scale of the concerns, while also stating they did not support the bill as written.
The committee then opened HB 133, dealing with DMV follow-up on residency and licensing issues tied to voting and other interactions. Department of Safety/DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology update plus a full-time position to handle manual correspondence and review of possible matches, and that postage was not included in the fiscal note. They said the bill’s 60-day residency trigger is vague, that the DMV would be acting outside its normal role by investigating status after the fact, and that the measure could create privacy and operational problems. Members questioned whether the bill would effectively force people to buy a driver’s license to vote, whether non-driver and voter ID options would avoid that concern, and whether the Secretary of State rather than DMV would be the more appropriate agency to handle any follow-up.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'll be voting with reservations. Okay. Chair, for the vote. Okay. Chair, for the vote.
- Chair, for the vote. Okay, we're Okay. Chair, for the vote.
- are they voting members? are they voting members?
- Okay, we're voting on SB 2972 SD1." voting powers voting powers to<02:06:37.560>
people <02:06: - Right chair for the vote. Thank you. Right chair for the vote.
Keywords:
conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach.
The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the people who do vote currently on school committees are the people who were voted into office
- have the right to vote.
- And so the people who do vote currently on school committees are the people who were voted into office
- have the right to vote.
- They must get a vote.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees.
Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists.
Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDU, EDU DEFER Public Hearings 04-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- voting seat on SFA? voting seat on SFA?
- Any members voting in opposition? Any members voting with reservations?
- Any member voting no? Any member voting with reservations? Hearing none. All five members voting I.
- Members, anybody voting no? Anyone voting with reservations?
- Anyone voting with anyone voting no. Anyone voting with reservations?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education heard several advice-and-consent nominations to the School Facilities Authority. For GM779, Shelley Pa was introduced as a nominee for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported her nomination, citing her large-scale operations and stakeholder-engagement experience. In her testimony, Pa said she retired from community policing, wanted to give back to teachers and students, and believed her strengths were collaboration, listening to community input, and helping balance differing priorities. Committee members questioned her about the construction and infrastructure focus of the board, her lack of direct construction experience, and how she would handle disagreements and budget limits; she responded that she would rely on collaboration, ask questions, and keep decisions centered on students, teachers, and the community while staying within budget.
The committee then heard GM777 and GM778 for Robert Davis, with terms ending June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2029. Davis described more than 30 years with the Department of Education, including roles as teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal, principal, and complex area superintendent, and said he had worked on major facilities projects and managed pandemic-era funding. He emphasized communication, transparency, and trust, and explained that his experience on the Early Learning Board helped him understand how to set policy, identify schools for pre-K, and use data and community factors in decision-making. Members asked how he would handle SFA’s growing pains, the need to balance DOE wishes with practical and budgetary limits, and the board’s role when the legislature controls funding; Davis said the board must keep communication open, include the right people, and make sensible decisions that move projects forward without stalling.
For GM780, nominee Michael Unbasami was introduced for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported him, highlighting over five decades of public service and experience in facilities management, finance, and legislative affairs. Unbasami said he had recently retired after 31 years as associate vice president for administrative affairs for the community colleges and had extensive experience with facilities planning, construction, renovation, repairs, and working within budgets. He stated that the DOE should be treated as the SFA’s client because it knows student, teacher, and facility needs best, while SFA’s role is to implement construction work and collaborate on priorities. Committee members pressed him on how to balance DOE requests with practical project delivery, especially for teacher housing and other non-classroom needs, and he said the legislature funds the work, SFA must keep projects moving, and the workflow should involve collaboration but also realistic decisions that fit the budget and avoid delays.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I request the yeas and nays and a recorded vote on this vote.
- This is the first electronic vote and will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
- Pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, remaining electronic votes will be conducted as five-minute votes.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.