Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 224 of 500
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Four - Tuesday, March 31 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I really like the workers' protection part, and I'm..."
- That's not the way it is now in many parts of our state.
- Yeah, I was grateful to be a part of this.
- And also, the other part is, you brought up finding...
- And the other part addresses the advertisements.
Summary:
The chamber first established a quorum, then moved through House Bills for Perfection. The first major measure discussed was House Bill 305, which would set policies for reconsideration of library materials in public and school libraries, require appeals processes, and prohibit tracking or retaining personalized user data, especially for minors. Supporters framed it as a local-control and parental-rights bill that largely codifies existing library practices, while some members raised concerns about the privacy language and whether materials should be removed during reconsideration. After discussion, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
Members then took up House Bills 2366 and 2511, a bipartisan construction-industry bill aimed at combating illegal labor and off-the-books hiring. The bill would give the Attorney General more investigative authority, including subpoena power, require complaints to be made by affidavit, and impose stronger penalties on violators. Supporters said it would protect law-abiding contractors and workers and level the playing field, while some members asked about possible overreach and whether the bill could be used against businesses unfairly. The substitute was adopted and the bills were ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2409 followed, proposing child care tax credits for contributions to providers, employer assistance, and provider expansion; it was presented as a response to Missouri’s child care shortage and workforce challenges. Members from both parties largely supported it as an economic and family policy, though one member noted the bill’s fiscal cost and contrasted it with recent budget cuts to child care subsidies. The House adopted the substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
The chamber also considered House Bill 1885, which makes changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission by adjusting membership qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules to make appointments easier while adding recusal procedures. Members said the changes would help fill vacancies and bring in knowledgeable members, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2658 addressed telephony laws, expanding the no-call list to any phone subscriber, adding anti-spoofing provisions, and creating penalties for caller ID spoofing; an amendment adding misdemeanor penalties for spoofing was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. House Bill 1919 would require more employers to file certain tax withholding documents electronically, aligning state practice with IRS rules; it passed with support and was ordered perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 1871, an omnibus elections bill, proposed several election administration changes, including electronic receipt of notices, shifting filing deadlines away from holidays, expanding testing windows for voting equipment, protecting the confidentiality of the permanently disabled voter list, requiring tax compliance for certain local candidates, and tightening write-in candidate rules. A key amendment removed an expansion of no-excuse absentee voting to keep the fiscal note at zero; that amendment was debated at length and then adopted before the bill moved forward.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary: We are reducing local operating costs as part of this vision.
- So there's going to be... ...council that's being a part of this.
- Again, representing a very rural district, part of my frustration, part of how we began this journey
- That’s going to be a critically important part of making this work.
- But will he be a part of the process? Yeah, all of our board members are part of the process.
Summary:
The Labor and Industrial Relations Committee first took up House Bill 680 by Rep. Weibel, which proposes a major overhaul of Louisiana’s workforce development system. The bill and a large amendment package were described as modernizing workforce planning, consolidating some state-level strategy and administration, and strengthening coordination with local workforce partners, employers, and regional stakeholders. A transition advisory team with an 18-month sunset was added to help implement the changes, and members repeatedly raised concerns about preserving local input for different regions, parishes, and cities. Rep. Weibel, the secretary of Louisiana Works, parish officials, and other supporters said the goal is to shift more resources from overhead to training and direct services while keeping local boards and parish involvement in place. Testimony from a Utah official and from local government and business representatives emphasized that similar consolidations can create efficiencies without eliminating local responsiveness. The committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 680 with amendments.
The committee then heard House Bill 780 by Rep. Furman on workers’ compensation. The bill seeks to streamline disputes over compensation and medical benefits, reduce litigation, and lower costs by restoring an expedited preliminary determination process and changing the standard for penalties and attorney fees to an arbitrary-and-capricious standard. Supporters, including lobbyists and defense attorneys, argued that the current process is outdated, overly technical, and too litigious, especially because adjusters now often work remotely and the statute still relies on fax and certified-mail procedures. They said the bill would speed up decisions, reduce unnecessary attorney-fee claims, and help employers and injured workers alike. Opponents, including attorneys for injured workers, argued the bill would make it harder for workers to recover penalties when benefits are delayed, shift the burden in favor of insurers, and fail to address understaffing and defense costs. Members debated whether the bill’s new standard should replace the current “reasonably controverted” language; an amendment to restore that language was offered but opposed by the author and other members and was not adopted. The committee adopted technical amendments and other committee amendments, heard additional testimony, and continued debating the bill’s substantive changes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's nothing more satisfying than being part of an important chain.
- There's nothing more satisfying than being part of an important chain and knowing you're doing your part
- Because wildfires are part of our natural environment in the West.
- As you pointed out, wildfire is a part of the natural environment here.
- It was shifted to Prop. 4 as part of that $228 million.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:34 am
House Health & Human Services
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Oct 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's part of the jurisdiction of this committee on crisis response, mostly in public spaces.
- That is the hard part.
- It really is a critically important part of this continuum. So we’ll hear from Katie.
- So that triage specialist is a vital part. I hear other communities doing that.
- So that triage specialist is a vital part. I hear other communities doing that.
Summary:
The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training.
City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation.
Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (09/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, liquor was named on observation 8 because we were part of the recycling program at the time.
- </c> addressed as part of the 2019 changes. addressed as part of the 2019 changes.
- program as being part of the job<00:16:00.000><c> training</c><00:16:00.639><c> program.
- And I think that as we keep this up as part of the oversight, the oversight part of our committee, making
- of the oversight, the up as part of the oversight, the oversight<00:50:27.599><c> part</c><00:50:27.839
Summary:
The committee reviewed follow-up status on several prior audit observations. For the Department of Liquor Commission item tied to a DAS audit, staff explained that the commission had been listed as observation 8 because it participated in a recycling program, but the required response had been missed because DAS did not notify the commission. After the committee raised it, the commission contacted DAS and submitted the response, and members agreed the observation could be marked complete, making the audit 9 for 9 resolved.
The committee then heard from the Department of Employment Security about the remaining open item from a 2016 audit of the former Department of Resources and Economic Development concerning the Work Ready New Hampshire program. The deputy commissioner said the issue had been addressed by 2019 statutory changes that moved the job training program to Employment Security, increased funding, and specifically recognized Work Ready New Hampshire in statute. Members indicated the item should be treated as resolved and moved to green.
The Adult Parole Board also reported on its 2019 audit follow-up. Chair Roger Phillips said 18 of 26 recommendations had been completed, with eight still open, including structured decisionmaking, a tracking/performance measure system, records retention, and access to inmate mental health and substance abuse information. Committee members said the board needed to submit an updated report to DAS with timelines and explanations for the remaining items, and the board said it would provide a timeline within 30 days. The committee then agreed to expect a follow-up report after the first of the year, likely by the end of March, to review the status of the eight open items.
At the end of the meeting, members discussed future audit topics. They noted that the wetlands council’s responses had been included with the department’s answers, so no separate appearance was needed. They also raised possible future audits involving special education oversight, the Board of Naturopaths, OPLC-related boards, dental examiners, and police standards training, with a request that some of those entities provide status reports at a later meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Those will become part of the official record of the bill.
- Secret Service. is going to be a part of this, as well as the U.S.
- That was actually part of the bigger continuing resolution last December that... ...was actually part
- And so we do give the receipt, which is what the part of the... Maybe it was sold 10 times.
- The EUC and our part— —in 2020 will go into effect.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 749, which would create a blue ribbon commission to study equitable access to youth sports and recommend a statewide framework, including coaching standards, PE modernization, and funding models to reduce barriers for families. The author and supporters, including youth sports advocates, educators, coaches, and former athletes, argued that sports improve health, school engagement, and long-term opportunity, while noting racial and income disparities in participation. One member raised concerns that a new commission could add cost and regulatory burdens, but the bill was framed as a study measure rather than immediate regulation.
The committee also took up AB 549, aimed at coordinating state and local security planning for major upcoming sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supporters said the bill would improve interagency coordination, protect visitors and communities, and help prevent human trafficking and discrimination during mega-events. Members discussed the need to avoid over-policing and to center community values, but the bill advanced on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
AB 1291 addressed ticket purchasing for concerts, sports, and other live events by requiring electronic proof of purchase and allowing it to be used for entry if a ticket cannot be accessed through no fault of the buyer. Supporters said the measure would give consumers more certainty and help address problems in a monopolized ticketing market, while opponents from venues, sports teams, and entertainment groups warned it could undermine anti-scalping tools, create security problems, and burden venues with duplicate or fraudulent proofs of purchase. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended basis to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with the roll held open for absent members. The consent calendar item, AB 644, was also approved.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Apr 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- They, as a FACT committee, became part of and continue to be a part of every one of our projects from
- But I think the discussion has been good on all our parts.
- Larger space that's already part of the program.
- We look forward to being a part of that partnership.
- That's part of the motion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If I'm wrong, we can fix that part.
- It's part of Brady. It's part of Morton. I'm sorry, Mr.
- Chair, but that part is not under law, correct? It's part of Morton.
- "But that part is not under law, correct? It's part of Morton. It has nothing to do with this bill.
- So not good scheduling on my part, maybe. Thank you.
Bills:
SB693, SB781, SB836, SB860, SB906, SB993, SB1101, SB1321, SB1370, SB1537, SB1563, SB1610, SB1637
Keywords:
notary public, notaries, acknowledgment, jurat, personal appearance, remote notarization, online notarization, e-notary, electronic notarization, fraud prevention, identity verification, real estate fraud, property transfer, state jail felony, Class A misdemeanor, secretary of state, continuing education, record retention, notarial act, Texas Government Code
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard a series of bills focused on criminal procedure, public safety, victim protections, and law enforcement administration. SB 1537 would require criminal-proceeding interpreters to meet the same appointment standards used in the Government Code, and SB 993 would let the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigative Division seek mobile-tracking warrants directly in motor fuel theft and related tax-fraud investigations. SB 693, as substituted, would create a criminal offense for notaries who notarize documents without the signer personally appearing, with a higher penalty when real property is involved, and would add continuing education for notaries. SB 1610 would tighten rules for civilly committed sexually violent predators at the Texas Civil Commitment Office, including penalties for new crimes and assaults on staff, sex-offender registration requirements, and removal of certain provisions from the filed version; the substitute reduced some of the harsher penalties and preserved parole/community-supervision eligibility. SB 836 would expand privacy protections for sexual assault survivors by limiting livestreaming of certain trials, allowing pseudonyms earlier in the process, and protecting forensic exam evidence and invasive recordings under protective orders. SB 1563 would require county jailers to receive training on interacting with veterans, with testimony emphasizing suicide risk, PTSD, and the need for better identification and support in jails. SB 906 would give the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo authority similar to other Texas tribes to commission peace officers under state law to enforce Texas laws on tribal land. SB 781 would standardize confidentiality rules for peace officers’ personal information and create a confidential departmental file system modeled on Chapter 143 civil-service practices, though members raised concerns about whether the bill could affect disciplinary records and existing disclosure rules.
Testimony was largely supportive for the bills, especially from prosecutors, law enforcement representatives, victim advocates, and agency officials. Supporters of SB 693 described widespread deed fraud tied to improper notarizations; supporters of SB 836 stressed survivor privacy and the harms of livestreamed sexual-assault proceedings; supporters of SB 1563 said jailer training could help prevent veteran suicides and improve treatment; and supporters of SB 906 said state commissioning would improve public safety and coordination on tribal lands. SB 781 drew support from police and TCOLE witnesses who said the bill would extend confidentiality protections already used in civil-service departments, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law or could be read to shield misconduct information. Public testimony included opposition to SB 1610 from a civil-rights advocate who urged waiting for Sunset review, and opposition to SB 781 from a family member of a person killed by police, who objected to expanding confidentiality for officers. Several bills were left pending after testimony because the committee lacked a quorum or chose to hold them for later action.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Certainly what you see is what you get for the most part and what we have available.
- Certainly what you see is what you get for the most part and what we have available.
- It's not part of the... Our grantees have asked for this. We are supportive of it.
- I think improving that community, it's a stated and intended part of the program.
- But we literally are paying from one part of the state budget and putting it into another part of the
Summary:
The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress.
A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding.
The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments.
Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the last part is really around the clarification of replacement timing.
- And then the last part is really around the clarification of replacement timing.
- And then the last part is really around the clarification of replacement timing.
- And a fund for them and not as part of the room and board rate.
- It would not be part of this study, but it's part of the work that we're currently doing.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up the committee substitute for HB 38, a complex insurance bill concerning coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and complex rehab technology. The sponsor and expert witness explained that the substitute made technical clarifications across multiple sections of law, including explicit coverage language, restoration of services and supplies, and replacement timing rules to avoid overuse while preserving access when a patient’s medical needs change. They said the changes had been reviewed and supported by the Office of Superintendent of Insurance and insurers, and there was no opposition from the public.
Members asked about the need to return the bill to committee because of the number of statutory changes, and the sponsor said the Speaker wanted a clean committee substitute before floor action. The committee adopted the substitute and then approved a do pass recommendation on the committee substitute for HB 38, with no opposition.
The committee then heard House Memorial 59, which requests a study of fair compensation for foster parents, including consideration of a cost-of-living allowance, with findings due to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee by November 30. CYFD testified that the study would likely use a contractor and that the department already has related recruitment, retention, and placement work underway. Members asked about foster parent numbers, foster care plus stipends, Social Security benefits for children in care, and clothing allowances; CYFD explained current payment structures, including a $50 monthly clothing amount built into the rate and separate vouchers in some cases. The committee heard supportive testimony from the New Mexico Child First Network and then voted do pass on HM 59 without opposition. The chair announced there would be no meeting the next day and adjourned the meeting.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 12th, 2025
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two parts of this bill, and what you're going to realize is that this bill, in both parts,
- The bill, in both parts, is protection of kids.
- The second part of that is with camps.
- Not in a sexual manner, but that's not part of this bill.
- ...it's part of a theater or performance? Absolutely! It happens all the time, reading to kids.
Keywords:
HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, employee associations, state payroll, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-1-4.3, public employees, union dues, benefits administration, payroll withholding, financial products, deferred compensation
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was the sole no vote on that, and that was a mistake on my part.
- So that part was included in there.
- Can you repeat that part?
- There are parts of it I like. There's parts I like less, very honestly.
- There are parts of it I like. There's parts I like less, very honestly.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- was a part of that 100,000.
- I was part of the...
- I appreciate particularly the first part of the amendment.
- It's oftentimes part of their, an expanded part of their practice report, part of their portfolio.
- Again, that's part of the purpose of today's amendment.
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- c> we</c><00:02:20.480><c> have</c><00:02:20.640><c> with</c> First off, there's three requests as part
- I have to say that this is not something that is part of a normal activity for this agency.
- say that this is uh not something that say that this is uh not something that is<00:03:39.159><c> part
- of a normal uh activity for this is part of a normal uh activity for this agency<00:03:42.319><c> it
- </c><00:32:11.480><c> of</c> federal guidelines there's the part of federal guidelines there's the part
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Apr 14th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Commerce & Economic Development Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- This is part of the agreed-upon bundle of bills involving prescription drugs this session.
- This is part of the agreed-upon bundle of bills involving prescription drugs this session.
- We are expecting the federal government to come down with Part 108 rules.
- I think the, I'd say a two-part answer.
- Members, Senate Bill 1277 is part of the Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Keywords:
bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- As far as, give me the other part of your question again, if you will. Clarify.
- And that's part of the federal application. So this isn't anything new.
- As far as, give me the other part of your question, again, if you will. Clarify.
- Representative Williams, if you want to direct “Part of that question. I’m sorry.
- Part of it—he didn't commit the embezzlement, but he was part of this, and he was let go with cause,
Keywords:
elections, national elections, state elections, voter intent, election reform, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, campaign finance, ethics, political contributions, candidate committee, Oklahoma legislation, voter registration, political party affiliation, Independent designation, Oklahoma, voter eligibility
Summary:
The Ethics and Elections Committee heard several election-related bills. HB 2938, as amended by PCS, would restrict certain overseas voters who are not military or dependents from voting in Oklahoma state and local elections unless they were bona fide residents with an intent to return, while still preserving federal voting rights where applicable. The Secretary of the State Election Board explained the measure as a tightening of existing law and said counties would flag affected voters for federal-only absentee ballots. After questions about how intent would be determined and how ballots would be administered, the committee passed the bill 5-1.
HB 2939 would remove outdated references to fax machines from election law at the request of the State Election Board. Testimony noted fax returns are now rare, limited to a very small number of military and overseas voters, and are less secure than current electronic and mail options. The committee passed the bill 6-0. HB 3306, as amended, lowers the threshold for requiring a candidate committee filing from $1,000 to $400, with the author describing it as a transparency measure to ensure more candidates disclose fundraising and spending. The committee passed that bill 6-0.
The committee also passed HB 3722, with a PCS clarifying that voter registration applicants must actively choose a party affiliation rather than being defaulted to unaffiliated if they leave the field blank. The bill passed 5-1. HB 413, with an amendment, clarified that people with felony convictions regain voting rights once all incarceration, parole, supervision, probation, and related obligations, including fines and fees, are completed; the committee passed it 6-0. Finally, HB 4123, which would bar former school employees terminated for cause from running for school board in the same district, drew concerns about fairness and the breadth of “for cause.” The author said the bill was aimed at serious misconduct cases and agreed to work on clarifying language, and the bill was laid over until the next week.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The next part of our agenda is discussing a bit about the legislative update.
- So the next part of our agenda. Sorry, just got back. Thank you, Senator.
- The next part of our agenda is discussing a bit about the legislative update.
- So as The next part of our agenda is discussing a bit about the legislative update.
- Seeing none, the next part of the agenda is just for public comments or new business.
Summary:
The commission met to approve the May 11 minutes and review progress on its work plan. Members recapped prior discussions about commission structure, summer engagement, data collection methods, and limited funding. The minutes were approved after a motion and second. The group then received a legislative update: Senator Miranda’s FY27 budget amendment securing $125,000 for the commission was partially adopted, pending final conference committee and gubernatorial action, while a separate provision to allow commissioner appointments at any time was not adopted and may be pursued through another vehicle.
A major focus was finalizing subcommittees. The commission agreed by vote to create four subcommittees: Communications and Outreach, Survey and Data Collection, Organizational Development, and History and Culture. Members discussed possible ethics issues around legislator participation in fundraising, prompting a suggestion to rename that group to Organizational Development. Several members volunteered for multiple committees, and the chair asked commissioners to confirm assignments within about two weeks, with a June 22 deadline mentioned for responses. Staff support for the summer was also noted.
The meeting also covered an upcoming visit by Cabo Verde’s president, José Neves, including a commissioner-only session and a larger community event, with encouragement to invite guests and use the opportunity to build support for the proposed cultural center. In public comment, members discussed gathering best practices from other community centers and cultural institutions, and the need to connect with existing Cape Verdean organizations and historical resources. Commissioners also shared updates on summer and July events, including Cape Verdean Independence celebrations, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- And that was part of the original language.
- From the policy perspective, I think that part is great.
- From the policy perspective, I think that part is great.
- Section 6, Part 6 in the conference committee report that talks about...
- I wish I would have been part of the DLGF discussion when it came up.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- THAT BECAUSE IN CONVERSATIONS AND THAT WAS PART OF WHAT WE WANTED.
- TO CREATE SOME CLARIFICATION I WAS TWO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BILL.
- I DON'T WANT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE GOOD PARTS OF THE BILL.
- THEIR ABILITY AND RIGHT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES SHOULD BE A PART OF THAT DISCUSSION.
- PART OF THE BILL REQUIRES A RESPONSE PLAN WHICH WILL INCLUDE KNOWING WHO HAS THE FIREARM.