Video & Transcript Research : 'electronic voting machine'
Page 2 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce Committee Meeting - 2026-04-07
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair votes aye. Co-chair Keagle votes aye. Co-chair O'Driscoll votes no.
- Representative Buck votes aye. Representative Cha votes aye. Representative Davids votes no.
- Chair votes aye. Co-chair Keagle votes aye. Co-chair O'Driscoll votes no.
- Representative Buck votes aye. Representative Cha votes aye. Representative Davids votes no.
- Chair votes aye. Co-chair Keagle votes aye. Co-chair O'Driscoll votes no.
Keywords:
data broker, data brokerage, consumer privacy, personal data, data privacy, Minnesota attorney general, registration, public registry, civil penalties, enforcement, special revenue fund, privacy rights, data sales, data collection, consumer protection, chapter 325M, controller, processor, data broker registry, transparency
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- meetings, electronic voting at electronic meetings, electronic voting without a meeting, and mail voting
- meetings, electronic voting electronic meetings, electronic voting at<00:29:00.399>
electronic - <00:29:27.520>
voting we worked together on electronic voting we worked together on electronic - ,<00:32:24.799>
mail electronic voting, written consent, mail electronic voting, written consent - <00:34:47.919>
voting we'd like to do the electronic voting we'd like to do the electronic
Keywords:
natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, legislative attendance, task force, executive meetings, public meetings, confirmation process, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, absentee voting, incarcerated voters, voter registration, mail-in voting, election rights, felony conviction
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- They let her vote for her. Chicago. They let her vote for her sister in Chicago.
- It's not a recorded vote. You can say... It's not a recorded vote. You can say it's not unanimous.
- But what they do is sometimes they show up to vote, and when they show up to vote, they can pass this
- United States citizens and eligible to vote. Are there any... citizens and eligible to vote.
- And so I've been living there 20 years and I go all the way back to vote in back to vote in Jonesboro
Keywords:
voting, elections, voter registration, voter rolls, list maintenance, address change, change of address, ERIC, Electronic Registration Information Center, AVID, Alabama Voter Integrity Database, Secretary of State, board of registrars, inactive voter, voter purge, duplicate registration, cross-state voter matching, National Change of Address, NCOA, driver license data
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 28th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
Compensation Commission, elected officials, salary evaluation, government accountability, Louisiana legislature, compensation, independent commission, salary adjustment, consumer price index, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-26-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll explain my vote, please. Yes.
- I'll explain my yes vote. Girdler. I'll explain my yes vote.
- I'll explain my vote, Senator Madden. I'll explain my vote, please. please. please.
- I vote aye. Chair Wheeler. I vote aye.
- I<00:14:44.240>
vote <00:14:44.560>I. I vote I. I vote I.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote.
- I will vote for it. I'll vote for it here.
- voting, okay?
- Ability to vote by mail, and they have to go vote in person.
- Vote for it.
Keywords:
HB 2442, Texas Election Code, Election Code Section 84.001, early voting, ballot by mail, mail ballot, absentee voting, runoff election, primary runoff, general runoff, voter application, election administration, county election officials, opt-out, voter choice, mail voting, ballot application, voting by mail, Election Code, size requirements
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- ballot voted by mail.
- This was clearly not curbside voting; it was clearly not intended for mass voting.
- their right to vote.
- The early voting clerk has all authority over early voting by mail and early voting in person.
- Don't make it harder for people to vote. Just let people vote.
Keywords:
voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, I voted for Representative John Bucy III.
- They go vote and register, you know, it's public information that they voted in the Republican or Democratic
- machines, the staff that's paid to be there, that works at the polling places.
- You weren't sure whether they could all vote for the different nominees or whether they could only vote
- That the convention can vote for that candidate. That's correct, yes.
Keywords:
voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- that bill over until we get to a point to where we feel that it's something that can be brought for a vote
- > for<00:05:47.199>
or <00:05:47.440>for <00:05:47.680>a <00:05:47.919>vote - <00:05:48.720>
But brought for or for a vote. But brought for or for a vote.
Keywords:
absentee voting, disabled, blind, voter assistance, voting rights, SNAP, public assistance, nutritional standards, waiver, food regulation, 1136, house, all
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- would vote.
- I'm sorry, Madam Vice Chair, Representative Blackman, run to vote, to vote.
- I am willing to vote in support of it, so I'm voting yes.
- I'll explain my vote.
- I'll explain my vote.
Keywords:
Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2908, which would impose criminal penalties on faithless Arizona Article V convention delegates, require delegates to take an oath, and direct the legislature and governor to ratify any approved amendment through the normal legislative process. The sponsor argued the bill adds guardrails to any future convention, while Common Cause Arizona opposed it as ineffective and insufficient to prevent a runaway convention. After debate about whether the bill could meaningfully constrain delegates, the committee voted 5-2 to return HB 2908 with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered HB 2608, a veterans housing measure creating a military transitional housing grant program at the Arizona Department of Housing with a $7 million General Fund appropriation in FY 2027 and changes to the military transitional housing fund. Testimony focused on revisions to the bill, including limiting use of funds to new construction and requiring veteran-led or veteran-managed organizations. Several members said the bill was too similar to prior versions and had not gone through the Veterans Caucus process. On a motion to table, the committee voted to lay HB 2608 on the table.
After a recess, the committee took up HB 2805, as amended, which creates a secure online portal for nomination petition signatures for local governing board candidates and related election administration changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to give school board candidates and other local candidates equal access to the state’s electronic signature system, while members debated whether requiring candidates to declare party affiliation would undermine nonpartisan races. The Gillette amendment was adopted, and the committee then voted 5-2 to return HB 2805 as amended with a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2775, which would bar the state and its subdivisions from using state assets or money to implement or enforce rules, taxes, or policies of international organizations, and would add restrictions on Arizona public universities’ dealings with certain foreign entities. Members discussed a proposed amendment to create oversight of foreign funding at Arizona State University and the Board of Regents, but raised concerns about rulemaking authority and constitutional issues. The committee ultimately voted to hold HB 2775 for further work, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- preferential voting.
- And when people go into that voting booth and vote for the person with the most votes, they're expecting
- 14% of the vote.
- I was a ranked-choice voting, instant runoff, preferential voting skeptic.
- It's why voting methods are sort of independent of the voting process.
Keywords:
HB 817, Texas Election Code, majority vote, majority threshold, ranked-choice voting, preferential voting, instant runoff voting, vote reassignment, ballot ranking, election administration, public office election, Election Code Section 2.0215, runoff elections, plurality vs majority, voting systems, education reform, budget allocation, teacher retention, student performance, accountability measures
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
LMG Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- First, we relating to voting boards.
- >> voting on House Bill 1805. Chair's >> voting on House Bill 1805.
- Chair, vice chair, vote I. amendments. Chair, vice chair, vote I. Rep.<00:26:55.760>
Kahaloa. - voting boards. voting boards.
- Voting on House Bill 2184. chair. Voting on House Bill 2184.
Keywords:
child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality
Summary:
The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments.
HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments.
HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- May I explain my vote?
- I vote no. Senator Kavanaugh, can I spend my vote?
- Explain my vote? Yes.
- my vote as a person who votes by mail stronger.
- I vote no. Senator Ortiz. Pass. Senator Finchem, may I explain my vote? Okay.
Bills:
HB2109, HB2168, HB2198, HB2226, HB2415, HB2440, HB2665, HB2805, HB2811, HB2825, HB2857, HB2874, HB2966, HB4067, HB4117, HCR2001, HCR2016, HCR2051
Keywords:
distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, public nuisance, nuisance abatement, abatement action, injunction, superior court, attorney general, county attorney, city attorney, board of supervisors, obscenity, obscene materials, adult materials, pornography, schools, parks
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and announced several bills would be held at the sponsors’ request, including HB 4117, HCR 2016, HCR 2051, and HB 2415. It then took up HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly interfering with a lawful arrest and make that conduct a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney representative, argued the bill closes a loophole and protects officers from third-party interference during arrests, while opponents from criminal justice and civil liberties groups said existing laws already cover the conduct and warned the bill could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The committee debated whether the bill duplicated resisting arrest and hindering prosecution statutes, then passed HB 2811 on a 3-2 vote with one member not voting.
The committee next heard HB 2665, which would create a manslaughter offense for an adult who intentionally gives advice or encouragement through a directed communication to a minor to die by suicide, including via social media or text. Representative Carter and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to online encouragement and a way to hold people accountable when minors are clearly urged toward suicide. The committee then passed HB 2665 unanimously, 6-0 with one not voting. It also approved HB 2857, allowing the Department of Corrections to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, by a 5-1 vote.
The committee then passed HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans to services and possible treatment court referrals; an amendment shifted the service-notice duty from prosecutors to the court. Supporters said the bill helps identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and can reduce recidivism, and it passed 6-0. HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance action in superior court, drew sharp disagreement over the AG’s use of nuisance litigation against businesses such as dairies, industrial plants, and rail projects; supporters framed it as local control and opposition to overreach, while opponents said it would weaken accountability and protect corporate interests. The committee passed HB 2168 on a 3-2 vote with two not voting.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters argued it would keep serious child offenders on supervision and protect victims, while opponents, including survivors and defense advocates, said DCAC is a sentencing enhancement rather than a standalone offense, that the bill removes judicial discretion, may raise ex post facto concerns, and could sweep in lower-level online conduct. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee then began hearing HCR 2001, a voter referral to end early voting the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and restrict mail ballot procedures; the sponsor said it would improve election integrity and speed results, while opponents argued it would burden voters and reduce access. The transcript cuts off during testimony and debate on that measure.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (4-15-26) - Upon Recess
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, would any member like to record a vote on Senate Bill 261?
- I would like to record an I vote on Senate Bill 261. Okay. It is recorded.
- ><00:14:02.839>
a Uh would any member like to record a Uh would any member like to record a vote - vote on Senate Bill 261? vote on Senate Bill 261? Representative<00:14:06.040>
Elliott. - <00:14:11.120>
on would like to record an I vote on would like to record an I vote on Senate
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (3-26-26)
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-5-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote I.
- <00:02:44.160>
I <00:02:44.440>vote <00:02:44.960>I. Senator Wise. - I vote I. Senator Wise. Chair Wheeler. I vote I.
- And thank you for doing this, and I'll be happy to vote for this to be the new state mushroom. may know
- for this to be the new state vote for this to be the new state mushroom.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:26
SB 343 Discussion: 01:00
SB 343 Voting: 02:25
SB 19 Discussion: 03:25
SB 19 Voting: 20:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a roll call showing members present, then first took up Senate Bill 343, which would extend the Workers' Compensation Funding Commission and preserve the independent funding mechanism for the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims. The chair explained that the bill would keep the current assessment structure in place beyond its scheduled 2029 expiration and support the department’s independence and budgeting flexibility. The committee voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then heard a presentation on Senate Bill 19, relating to a state mushroom. Senator Scott Madon and Representative Mitch Whitaker introduced students and a biology teacher from Letcher County Central High School, who presented research supporting the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo) as Kentucky’s state mushroom. The students described the mushroom’s blue color, ecological role, edible qualities, and possible educational and scientific value, and tied the proposal to Kentucky’s identity as the Bluegrass State. Senators praised the students’ presentation and the effort to involve young people in the legislative process, and one senator asked how to identify edible mushrooms, prompting advice that experience is important and that local mushroom groups can help. The committee then voted 11-0 to report Senate Bill 19 favorably.
Before adjourning, members briefly discussed the presentation and the educational value of involving students, with comments noting the strong participation of young women in science. Senate Bill 324 was on the agenda but was passed over and held for one week. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (2-26-26)
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
Transcript Highlights:
- vote yes today.<00:20:43.520>
Thank <00:20:43.679>you, <00:20:43.840>Representative - I'm going to vote I.
- [clears throat] >> I vote yes, ma'am. And Representative... >> I vote yes, ma'am.
- But I appreciate the opportunity to vote yes and committee on the floor.
- yes and committee on opportunity to vote yes and committee on the<00:23:19.840>
floor.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:38
HB 576 discussion: 01:56
HB 576 voting: 06:54
HB 593 discussion: 08:25
HB 593 voting: 21:58, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 576, which would create the Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grant Program. Representative Robert Duvall said the bill is intended to address Kentucky’s workforce shortage by funding local recruitment efforts for out-of-state talent, with grants of up to $500,000 to cities, counties, and nonprofits, a required 20% local match, and performance-based payments. He said the program is modeled on existing efforts already operating in Kentucky and cited projected economic and tax benefits. The committee substitute removed an appropriation and emergency clause so funding would go through the regular budget process, and members approved the committee substitute, the bill, and a title amendment with favorable expression.
The committee then took up House Bill 593, sponsored by Representative Josh Bray, which addresses data centers and utility costs. Bray said the bill is designed to protect ratepayers from subsidizing data center infrastructure and to ensure projects either bring their own generation, use power purchase agreements, or pay upfront for any needed transmission or generation upgrades. He explained that the committee substitute made mostly technical changes, including giving municipal utilities more time to set tariffs, clarifying terms, adding exemptions for certain TVA- and DOE-related projects, and preserving existing contracts and net metering arrangements. Members asked about local control, the $75,000 prepayment, and TVA authority; Bray said the prepayment covers utility due diligence and screens speculative projects, local requirements must be certified before incentives apply, and TVA is federally regulated. The bill received supportive comments from several members, who emphasized protecting utility bills and ratepayers, and it passed the committee with favorable expression.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:07.920>
machines configurations of ESNS voting machines configurations of ESNS voting - 17.520>
the <00:59:17.760>same machine is tabulating the vote the same machine is tabulating - There is no connection between those administrative machines and the voting machines themselves.
- machines and the voting machines machines and the voting machines themselves.<01:12:36.159>
Is - Voting machine setting.
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion.
Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that.
Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:11.920>
machines configurations of ESNS voting machines configurations of ESNS voting - There is no connection between those administrative machines and the voting machines themselves.
- and the voting administrative machines and the voting machines<01:12:39.679>
themselves. - If you'd like to go see their voting machines, ask any additional questions, you're certainly welcome
- , ask any see their voting machines, ask any additional<01:12:57.199>
questions, <01:12:57.600>
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf.
Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.