Video & Transcript Research : 'election transparency'

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LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 29th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're all for transparency. Everybody here, we're for transparency. We're for open government.
  • You want transparency, right?
  • Are they elected? Well, as well. They are... What I would say, are they elected?
  • Or is it just for transparency purposes? I think it's mostly for transparency.
  • Or is it just for transparency purposes? I think it's mostly for transparency.
Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 27th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, and thank you for this very good bill. 2008 was when I was elected to the legislature for
  • I heard about it for the first time when I met with her four and a half years ago when I was elected
  • Election for which the person seeks to qualify.
  • It really is important for the integrity of our election process.
  • The Division of Elections opined that we do not have statutory aptitude… To the authority to remove a
Bills: SJR37, SJR57, SCR8, SB8, SB108, SB125, SB251, SB318, SB378, SB379, SB396, SB472, SB487, SB503, SB533, SB565, SB583, SB608, SB650, SB686, SB689, SB707, SB710, SB763, SB854, SB875, SB916, SB924, SB925, SB958, SB961, SB965, SB987, SB988, SB1006, SB1019, SB1021, SB1024, SB1026, SB1038, SB1146, SB1185, SB1194, SB1202, SB1252, SB1253, SB1330, SB1343, SB1362, SB1497, SB1498, SB1499, SB1527, SB1547, SB1596, SB1697, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SJR37, SCR22, SCR12, SCR8, SB925, SB1362, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1302, SB856, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB541, SB379, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB1352, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB961, SB1038, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1146, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB378, SB710, SB916, SB1019, SB1146, SB1194, SB1253, SB1499, SB213, SB925, SB1362, SR263, SR311, SR333, SCR8, SB2407, SB2722, SB2949, SB2407, SB2722, SB2949
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • They put two judges, when elected...” “...administration region, they put two judges, when elected, one
  • It was a notoriously chaotic election.
  • The instant we filed the election contest, the sitting judge claimed that that election contest violated
  • Texas Election Code Section 253...
  • Texas Election Code, Section 253.153 states 120 days after an election, which in this case was March
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Election contest, of course, was authorized by the Election Code.
  • Election contest, of course, was authorized by the Election Code.
  • Election contest, of course, was authorized by the Election Code.
  • Election contest, of course, was authorized by the Election Code.
  • Texas Election Code Section 253...
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously, this has resulted in constitutional elections being being delayed for several years.
  • constitutional amendment election contest within 30 days of the election being filed.
  • A trial court must issue a final judgment within 180 days of the contested election.
  • Accountability and transparency are not threats. to professional licensure.
  • That's why I was elected. I wasn't elected just to...
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Clean Elections Minnesota elections.
  • nonprofits that spend on elections. nonprofits that spend on elections.
  • ,<01:37:55.119> elections,<01:37:55.600> elections, Elections, elections, elections, elections
  • , elections, elections, elections.
  • Minnesotans want transparency. That's all we're asking for is transparency.
Bills: HF4133, HF3419
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Feb 16th, 2026 at 11:18 pm

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • There were a couple of very troubled individuals and some dude who bought into election denial.
  • I don't know what the official title is; however, this is an elections safety bill.
  • Senate Bill 264 makes several changes. to the election code.
  • or the election code.
  • Forgive me, Madam Chair and Madam Leader, I am not an election law expert.
Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 15th, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you can see, this bill is really about transparency in government.
  • What this does is it's really to have transparency in different agencies, different elected officials
  • who have... different elected officials who have discretionary accounts.
  • official in... polls like every elected official in this state.
  • However, I do believe in transparency.
Bills: HB407, SB306, SB320, SB321
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Their governing boards consist of local elected officials.
  • So this is important to our core mission to be transparent.
  • It simply says be transparent. Let families.
  • Members, another great bill. um, we are all for transparency.
  • So it's more of a transparency bill.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Their governing boards consist of local elected officials.
  • But we're trying to address financial transparency. transparency, without divulging sensitive information
  • Transparent.
  • It's important to our core mission to be transparent.
  • We are all for transparency.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Feb 11th, 2026

State Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • at the same time we have the presidential election, but we would have a special election for someone
  • during the election basically during the presidential<00:22:22.640> cycle.
  • special election special election at<00:22:54.400> the<00:22:54.559> same<00:22:54.720
  • > election<00:22:59.760> for<00:22:59.919> someone<00:23:00.240> to<00:23
  • :00.400> be a special election for someone to be a special election for someone to be elected<
Bills: SB223, SB271, SB223, SB271
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 1st, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's accessible, that's transparent, that's public. If an offender is on probation...
  • . trying to get TDCJ to give me the information and the truth is I called somebody who I knew was elected
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 18, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Number one, the convention must be transparent and not conducted in secret.
  • the convention must be based on population rather than one state, one vote, and delegates should be elected
  • :49:22.400> of possible or reflect the percentage of possible or reflect the percentage of elected
  • c> officials<00:49:23.440> from<00:49:23.839> majority<00:49:24.240> and elected
  • officials from majority and elected officials from majority and minority<00:49:24.960> parties
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Committee, February 18, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I started working with the Department of Audit last February on this fiscal transparency measure.
  • These reports are invaluable for transparency, and I thank the department for assisting me in crafting
  • This fiscal transparency<00:11:27.760> is<00:11:28.000> good<00:11:28.160> for<00
  • and I transparency is good for Wyoming and I would<00:11:30.480> stand<00:11:30.720> for
  • And I even sat in on a training on elections, and I said, "Well, how do we know how people are going
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

General Government REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Transparency without transparency is a must. Transparency is a must.
  • elected to represent the people of their area have that transparency.
  • But as far as I said, as far as having local elections in a small community like mine, a bond election
  • It's not an elected body.
  • It just says that we need transparency.