Transcript Highlights:

• elections secure.
• elections, enhance election in American elections, enhance election administration,<00:28:18.880><c>
• </c> elections.
• Just this past election elections.
• </c> elected by simply six votes. elected by simply six votes.

Bills: HR22 , HCR14

Keywords: committee appointments, House of Representatives, representation, legislative committees, elections, fiscal policy, budget resolution, deficit reduction, mandatory spending, economic growth, government deregulation, federal revenues, entitlements, congressional authority

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2025 Hawaii State House of Representatives opening day ceremonies will begin shortly.
• I now introduce you to the class of 2025. Please be seated.
• <02:15:40.639><c> please</c><02:15:40.920><c> be</c> 2025 please be 2025 please be seated<02:15:43.199
• As elected officials, we must set the example of the branches of government.
• As elected officials, we must set the example of the branches of government.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was the task from Executive Order 2025-05.
• to... ...through August and September of 2025.
• There is a large fluctuation in acres between fiscal year 2021 and 2025.
• And I think that's the coolest thing about that locally elected.
• The production and quality in 2025 was surprisingly very good.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• HR number 508 by Paul recognizing March 25th, 2025 as Space Day at the state Capitol.
• HR number 551 by Kerwin, recognizing March 25, 2025 as Johnson County Day at the state Capitol.
• The clerk will read the resolution HR number 521 by Luther recognizing March 20th, 2025 as Sheriff's
• HR number 58 by Oliverson, recognizing March 2025 as Kidney Month. The chair recognizes Mr.
• HR number 602 by Lalani recognizing March 20th, 2025 as Deci Day of action at the state Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, the resolution is a policy on the 2025 P1 service award program that we have for the
• So, this P5 policy is designed primarily to cover election contests and recount legal fees, but you'll
• To follow up on Representative Schultz's question, in the 2025 P5, on the back, that Mr.
• 2025 P5 on the back uh that Mr Garing 2025 P5 on the back uh that Mr Garing just<00:09:51.399><c> referenced
• It is effective on January 14th of 2025.

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Law; 568, Senator May, an act to amend the Election Law; Myrie, an act to amend the Election Law.
• election, is that correct?
• ELECTION DAY.
• ELECTION, IS THAT CORRECT?
• And who steals elections? People administering the elections. If not for that, this...

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and I'm also newly elected and I'm also newly elected excellent<00:05:17.360><c> I'm</c><00:05:17.560
• </c> term and second term on Election term and second term on Election law<00:06:07.840><c> I'm</c><00
• day accountability, just as official election ballots are counted before elections and during election
• </c><01:34:49.960><c> through</c> ballots for pre-election through ballots for pre-election through election
• > before elections and during election day before elections and during election day either<01:34:58.880

Committee: House Election Law

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair lays out Senate Bill 2025 by Representative Tepper.
• Hearing none, we'll open up public testimony on House Bill 2025.
• Now, these protections already exist for bond elections.
• When we have a TRE election, which is a Tax Rate Ratification Election, we're going to the voters and
• With a bond election, if the voters passed a bond election, you get an amount, if it's seven point one

Bills: SB3038 , SB3045 , SB3065 , SB3069 , SB3071 , HB2025 , HB2149 , HB3370 , HB4205 , HB4506 , HB5424 , HB5652 , HB24 , HB3687 , HB24

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to use past results of elections to base the new maps to rig the election.
• special statewide election.
• statewide special election.
• Again, this bill before us, SB 280, calls for the election to take place on November 4th, 2025, and the
• , that Trump might be elected for a third term because now we're electing kings all of a sudden.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:18.640><c> to</c> governed by the states who elect to governed by the states who elect to
• </c> and June 30th, 2025. and June 30th, 2025.
• ><c> being</c><00:15:53.040><c> the</c> The two federal elections being the The two federal elections
• . elections. elections.
• </c> our um election security. So, thank you. our um election security. So, thank you.

Summary: The Interim Committee on State Government met on July 29, established a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes unanimously, and heard an update from the State Board of Elections on voter list maintenance. Taylor Brown, the board’s general counsel, explained the federal NVRA requirements and Kentucky’s statutory process for maintaining voter rolls, including use of USPS change-of-address data, ERIC reports, and agreements with non-ERIC states. He said Kentucky has entered or discussed agreements with several states, and that the board sends postcards to voters believed to have moved; if a voter does not respond to an 8D2 postcard and does not vote over two federal election cycles, the registration may be removed. He also described other removal categories such as death, felony conviction, incompetency, duplicate registrations, and self-requested cancellations. Brown reported that between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the board removed 284,381 registrations from the rolls, including 42,675 for death, 5,940 for felony conviction, 5,527 for registration in another state, 578 for incompetency, 223 based on jury questionnaires indicating non-citizenship, 746 self-removals, and 3,381 duplicates, along with 225,311 removals through the address-maintenance program. He said Kentucky’s total registrations decreased by roughly 169,000 over the year and are now below the Census Bureau’s estimate of the state’s voting-age population. Brown emphasized that receiving a postcard does not mean a voter has been purged and that failure to vote alone does not trigger removal. Members asked about the 223 non-citizen-related removals, the availability and effectiveness of alternatives to ERIC, the partisan criticism of ERIC, and how duplicate registrations are identified. Brown said the non-citizen jury questionnaire cases had been referred to the Attorney General for further review, that Kentucky currently has no organized alternative to ERIC but is pursuing reciprocal agreements with states such as Florida, and that ERIC recently changed bylaws to remove a postcard requirement that had been costly for member states. On duplicates, he said the board uses multiple data points, not just name and address, and noted that fuller Social Security data could improve accuracy. Committee leaders praised the board’s work and said they wanted to meet before session to discuss possible statutory changes to improve voter list maintenance.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024 to 2025, we saw huge increases. I see I should stop.
• on all of that. 2020 election conspiracy theorist on all of that.
• So let me start with the February 2025 bar exam. Absolutely.
• So let me start with the February 2025 bar exam.
• There were corrective actions taken after the February 2025 bar exam.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying. The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate. The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to rehash the 2020 presidential election, and that's not why I'm here.
• So all of that surrounding the 2020 elections was very political.
• There were corrective actions taken after the February 2025 bar exam.
• I'm well aware that you started in 2025.
• I did start in November of 2025, to clarify. I didn't realize my resume did not say that.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to State Bar appointments requiring testimony. The committee heard from George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar, who described reforms made after the Girardi matter, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, backlog reduction measures, and staffing shortages tied to a vacancy rate and increased incoming complaints. Senators questioned him about safeguards against misconduct, the John Eastman disbarment case, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the use of AI in complaints and pleadings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance him to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Laura Enderton Speed, nominated as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized restoring public trust, improving operations, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening discipline and admissions processes. Senators asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the ongoing audit and investigations related to the bar exam, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and plans for the future of the bar exam. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her nomination to the Senate floor. The meeting concluded with final votes on the earlier items, thanks to Senator Jones for his service on the committee, and adjournment to executive session after a cake presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Federal Election Commission has in the term "member" is not defined in election code.
• Instead, staff recommends waiving the 30-day pre-election report and reducing the 8-day pre-election
• Unfortunately, I was a part of a... election and a runoff election at the same time.
• pre-election report.
• I worked as an election judge during the presidential election last year.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an ongoing war occurring and an important midterm election year.
• It happens around elections.
• In January of 2025, the federal government In January of 2025, the federal government rescinded the policy
• In January of 2025, the federal government or church without fear.
• Nearly half of API adults experienced an act of hate in 2025. Half.

Summary: The committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to review California hate-crime trends and hear from state agencies and community organizations about current impacts and policy responses. The California Department of Justice reported that 2025 hate-crime events declined modestly from 2024 but remained historically elevated, with race and ethnicity still the largest category, anti-Black bias the most frequently reported, and notable increases in anti-Hispanic/Latino and citizenship/immigration-status bias. The California Commission on the State of Hate said its research and victimization studies show hate is broader than official crime data alone, with millions of Californians experiencing hate incidents and many victims needing services beyond law enforcement, including mental health care, legal help, and workplace protections. The commission also emphasized online radicalization, the need for better data infrastructure, and stronger training and support systems. Members then heard from the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, CAIR California, and Equality California. Testimony described fear, underreporting, and the effects of rhetoric, federal policy changes, and online misinformation on Black, Latino, Jewish, immigrant, Asian American, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities. Witnesses urged sustained funding for Stop the Hate and nonprofit security grants, stronger language access, civic education, and community-based reporting and victim services. Several groups also called for specific legislation, including measures on racial profiling, immigration detention oversight, Jewish ethnicity recognition, safe worship zones, anti-Muslim hate prevention, and LGBTQ+ data privacy and health protections. Committee discussion focused on the conditions that fuel hate, especially political polarization, social media radicalization, and the role of public figures and institutions in normalizing dehumanizing language. Members and witnesses discussed the limits of current data, the need for long-term research and prevention strategies, and the importance of solidarity across communities. No formal votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, though members referenced existing and pending bills and ongoing efforts to expand training, funding, and anti-hate infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• . elections. elections.
• election integrity.
• </c> think it was 13th of 2025. think it was 13th of 2025.
• It was November 13th of 2025. >> For the 2026 election cycle.
• </c> 13th of 2025. Okay. 13th of 2025. Okay.

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Thursday, March 20th, 2025, and I call the meeting of the Senate Elections Committee to order,
• But this most recent election year in 2025, two months ago, the inauguration apparently had $170 million
• </c> expenses for governors, governors elect. expenses for governors, governors elect.
• 00:05:00.880><c> in</c><00:05:01.560><c> 2025,</c><00:05:02.560><c> two</c> recent election um year in
• 2025, two recent election um year in 2025, two months<00:05:02.960><c> ago,</c><00:05:03.199><c> the

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• , and continuing until the next general election when the term of office expires.
• , and continuing until the next general election when the term of office expires.
• , and continuing until the next general election when the term of office expires.
• , and continuing until the next general election when the term of office expires.
• The certificate of elections will be filed in the office of the Chief Clerk.

Transcript Highlights:

• or for the committee on elections.
• HB 959 by Scuffield relating to the date of the primary election.
• HB 989 by providing a civil penalty referred to the committee on elections.
• HB 999 by providing a civil penalty referred to the committee on elections.
• Refer to the committee on elections.

Bills: HCR21 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR31 , HCR41 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR45 , HCR52 , HCR53 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR73 , HR8 , HR10 , HR13 , HR20 , HR21 , HR50 , HR59 , HR61 , HR71 , HR74 , HR79 , HR84 , HR86 , HR90 , HR91 , HR102 , HR103 , HR107 , HR113 , HR125 , HR126 , HR132 , HR142 , HR145 , HR149 , HR150 , HR152 , HR167 , HR179 , HR181 , HR183 , HR186 , HR192 , HR196 , HR199 , HR207 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR216 , HR249 , HR256 , HR259 , HR261 , HR263 , HR272 , HR281 , HR285 , HR294 , HR295 , HR300 , HR305 , HR311 , HR313 , HR315 , HR316 , HR323 , HR331 , HR339 , HR340 , HR346 , HR349 , HR352 , HR357 , HR358 , HR360 , HR363 , HR374 , HR377 , HCR20 , HCR28 , HCR30 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HR14 , HR15 , HR19 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR29 , HR47 , HR48 , HR55 , HR56 , HR66 , HR85 , HR92 , HR93 , HR95 , HR96 , HR140 , HR155 , HR164 , HR204 , HR241 , HR242 , HR250 , HR253 , HR260 , HR262 , HR265 , HR279 , HR310 , HR312 , HR328 , HR332 , HR359 , HR362 , HR367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my honor to introduce the Lady Broncos of Mustang, the 2025...
• My honor to introduce the Lady Broncos of Mustang, the 2025 6A cheer state champions.
• Having received a majority of those elected and voting, I declare the bill to have passed.
• Having received a majority of those elected and voting, I declare the bill to have passed.
• I have received a majority of those elected and constituting the House.

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, and then seated Dylan Travis as the new member from House District 35 after adopting the certification motion. The chamber also received several recognitions and presentations, including the Sand Springs Charles Page Sandites for winning the Class 6A football state championship, the Mustang Lady Broncos cheer team for their 2025 state title, and visiting scouting groups for Scout Day at the Capitol. House Resolution 1033, declaring February 18, 2026, Scout Day at the Oklahoma Capitol, was adopted without objection. Members then considered and advanced several bills, mostly on veterans, military, public administration, mental health, children, and agency transparency. House Bill 3043 would let the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs hire seasonal employees during peak periods; House Bill 3078 created a voluntary donation option for ODVA through license, registration, hunting/fishing, and tax forms; House Bill 3940 made extensive changes to National Guard law, including retention funding language, benefits, discipline, and related administrative provisions; House Bill 3257 expanded state disabled-veteran benefits for certain veterans harmed by negligent VA care; House Bill 3281 required agencies to publish guidance documents and note they do not have the force of law; House Bill 417 adopted a federal definition of family resource centers while adding faith-based organizations and workforce development; House Bill 4275 allowed case managers and peer support specialists to work for cities and counties without losing certification; and House Bill 4298 allowed DHS child-care rule changes to be communicated by mail or electronically. Most measures passed with little or no debate, and several were adopted by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Recorded votes included 97-0 for HB 3043 and HB 3078, 90-5 for HB 3940, 96-0 for HB 3257 and HB 3281, 94-0 for HB 417, 91-5 for HB 4275, and 95-0 for HB 4298. The House adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: section 255.003 of the election code. Assistant General Counsel Carmen, thank you.
• B is impermissible under section 255.003 of the election code.
• Deputy General Counsel: At issue are two late monthly LBB reports: January 2025 and July 2025.
• Deputy General Counsel: The affidavit or request for a waiver was filed in October of 2025.
• Natalie: following an election for Sparks are not subject to the higher penalty.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.