Video & Transcript Research : 'registrations'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- administration of voter registration for administration of voter registration for federal<00:07:37.199
- highlights what, if any, registrations highlights what, if any, registrations on<00:09:53.519>
registrations that may be out of date. registrations that may be out of date. - that registration record will be purged. that registration record will be purged.
- >
under <00:19:56.480>this registration is removed under this registration is removed under
Keywords:
Voter List Maintenance - State Board of Elections -- 05:38
State Employee Health Insurance Plan – 44:18
Discussion of HB 622 (2025 RS) – 01:01:43, 958, all
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not an amendment about registration.
- my voter registration files.
- my voter registration files.
- It does not change the voter registration.
- This amendment brings common sense to our same day voter registration again, same day voter registration
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill requiring identifying equipment and insignia to be removed from emergency vehicles sold to the public. The chamber first adopted a House language amendment, then debated a broader security package that would fund judicial and courthouse security, Capitol security measures, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, State Patrol deficiency funding, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to assess threats statewide. Supporters framed the bill as necessary to protect public safety, democracy, and First Amendment activity at the Capitol and courthouses; they also said the package was pared down from larger requests and based on security reviews. The House adopted an A-1 amendment clarifying that BCA staff could investigate threats statewide, and later rejected a Schultz A-3 amendment that would have eliminated all appropriations in the bill. The A-3 was defeated on a 37-94 vote after the House upheld the Speaker’s ruling that a proposed school-safety secondary amendment was not germane, with that appeal decided 69-62.
A major theme of debate was whether the Legislature should prioritize security for members and the Capitol before passing school safety funding. Several members argued they could not support spending tens of millions on Capitol and legislative security without first funding school safety for all students, including public, charter, private, and tribal schools. Others defended the bill as necessary because of recent threats and violence, including the June 14 tragedy, and said the Capitol security changes were based on professional recommendations. Some members also criticized the new security setup as overly restrictive or “security theater,” while supporters said the measures were needed to keep the public, staff, and lawmakers safe.
After the A-3 was defeated, the bill was read for third time and members continued floor debate. The discussion remained split between those emphasizing immediate Capitol and legislative security needs and those insisting school safety should come first. Representative Agbaje then moved to table the bill, and the clerk began a roll call on that motion.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Vessel registration amends voter registration fees and their distribution. >> Chairman Crawford, welcome
- So, we tucked the $5 added to the registration.
- Vessel registration amends voter registration fees and their distribution.
- So, we tucked the $5 added to the registration.
- Vessel registration amends voter registration fees and their distribution. >> Senator, welcome. >> Well
Keywords:
elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, HB255, Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, ERSA, State Police Tier II Plan, annual leave
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- registration plates issued by the MVA. registration plates issued by the MVA.
- registration fees were so high. registration fees were so high.
- know, vehicle registration. know, vehicle registration.
- My recollection, not registration.
- So, if registration from anything.
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports.
Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment.
The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- OK, if we delete the registration, that shows you're not testifying? Yes, please.
- In Travis County, one person has challenged the registrations of 12,000 people.
- . ...voter registrations.
- They do abide by the National Voter Registration Act here.
- The registration shows that you live in Holly Springs, Texas.
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
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- At this point, in states, it is not common to ask for those at the point of registration.
- But for all intents and purposes, if you're filling out a voter registration form and you're putting
- They want to become the supervisor for voter registration.
- And it makes clear that DOJ. of these full voter registration lists.
- They want to become the supervisor for voter registration.
Summary:
The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing.
The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies.
Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jun 22nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any state where you... ...registration.
- At this point, in states, it is not common to ask for those at the point of registration.
- Of these full voter registration lists.
- They want to become the supervisor for voter registration.
- State voter registration list maintenance activities. Thank you. Representative Chase?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Massachusetts is $75 for the title and $75 for the registration.
- The fact that insurance is a requirement for title and registration is a good thing.
- registration plates.
- registration plates.
- The registry is busy eliminating those registrations and using them for the lottery.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills covering motor vehicle sales, registration, title processing, dealer regulation, and several local matters. Chair Cyrro noted that Senate Bill 2414 had been postponed at the sponsor’s request, though public testimony would still be accepted. The hearing then heard testimony on measures including S. 2367, which would make an insurer primary for losses caused by an insured driver in a rental car; H. 3698 and related bills on codifying registration of 25-year-old imported Japanese kei vehicles; H. 3701 on requiring lienholders to release titles within seven days; H. 3690 on capping dealer documentation fees; and H. 3641 on requiring education for class two motor vehicle dealers. Testimony also addressed e-titling and e-signatures, peer-to-peer car sharing, temporary license plates, duplicate plates, general registration plates for motor vehicle distributors, and a bill to ban tinted license plate covers.
Supporters of the rental-car insurance bill argued Massachusetts is an outlier compared with 47 other states and said the change would improve fairness, competition, and consumer understanding without raising premiums. Dealers and industry groups generally supported e-titling/e-signature modernization and the inspection-related bill, but urged safeguards to preserve title, registration, and insurance verification. The Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposed the doc-fee cap, saying documentation fees are a disclosed cost-recovery tool that varies by dealership. Representatives and advocates for kei vehicles said the RMV’s 2024 reversal showed the need to codify the rules in law, while opponents of the RMV’s approach described it as arbitrary and harmful to owners and importers. Supporters of the dealer-education bill said it would curb unregulated “curbstoning” and help ensure proper title handling and consumer protection.
Several local and specialty bills also drew testimony. Hatfield officials supported a local bill allowing golf carts on certain town roads under strict safety rules, and Representative Ayers testified for a bill banning tinted license plate covers to aid toll collection, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Senator Lovely and other advocates supported the “Easy ID” license plate proposal, saying it would improve vehicle recognition in crime and child-abduction investigations. The committee took no votes during the hearing and adjourned after public testimony concluded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- One person has challenged the registrations of 12,000 people.
- They do abide by the National Voter Registration Act here.
- Sir, can you, we have a question about your registration real quick.
- I also like to, uh, change of registration to also fair vote.
- Do you want to change your registration to where you're supporting the bill?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:49:50.680>
which domesticate their car registration which domesticate their car registration - to those additional same day registrant to those additional same day registrant being<01:26:50.080
- This has us amending RSA 654:17 to read as follows: It shall be prepared, the registration absentee registration
- The registration absentee registration affidavit shall be prepared by the Secretary of State and shall
- <02:29:13.439>
they've doing same day registration they've doing same day registration they've
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Now to the meat of the matter: Section 854, hemp registration and licensure.
- Now to the meat of the matter: Section 854, hemp registration and licensure.
- Now to the meat of the matter: Section 854, hemp registration and licensure.
- Now to the meat of the matter: Section 854, hemp registration and licensure.
- Registration fees, permits exempting certain product categories from registration fees, and establish
Summary:
The House took up Senate Bill 323, suspending the rules to consider it immediately. The bill was described as a broad agricultural measure with committee amendments and fiscal implications, and it was reported favorably by the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. Members outlined sections dealing with milk market corrections, farm-to-school language, repeal of the obsolete pest control compact, pesticide applicator licensing changes, seed law updates, the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program, hemp regulation, and CAFO-related provisions. The Agriculture committee reported the bill out 7-0-1, and the effective date was described as July 1, 2026, except for the hemp provisions, which would take effect upon passage.
Much of the discussion focused on the hemp sections. Supporters said the bill updates Vermont law to reflect federal changes and shifts hemp oversight from the Agency of Agriculture to the Cannabis Control Board. The hemp provisions would create registration and licensing requirements for hemp producers, processors, and certain hemp products; set fees; authorize testing, inspections, stop-sale orders, and administrative penalties; and allow rulemaking on product standards, labeling, insurance, additives, and age restrictions. Speakers said the changes were intended to help Vermont’s hemp industry maintain access to banking, insurance, and interstate commerce while improving consumer safety and regulatory clarity.
Other agricultural provisions were also explained in detail. The bill would clarify milk producer hearing rights, update farm-to-school grant/contract language, remove outdated pest-control compact language, and adjust pesticide applicator exam and fee rules, including removing the limit on retakes and eliminating certain government applicator fees. It would also modernize seed labeling and definitions, transfer the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program into a new statutory structure under VEDA, and make conforming cross-reference changes in tax and cannabis fund statutes. The final sections would add a CAFO permit working group and require consultant training for state agencies on CAFO inspections, with those provisions contingent on future funding. Ways and Means noted the bill’s fee changes could affect state revenues, including an estimated hemp-related impact of roughly $10,000 to $90,000, though the exact effect was uncertain.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:18:33.679>
Tibo we had a registration and Mr. Tibo we had a registration and Mr. - look specifically at this registration look specifically at this registration and<01:21:29.440><
- c> whether<01:21:29.679>
the <01:21:29.920>registration and whether the registration - /c><01:42:02.560>
has banner, this person's registration has banner, this person's registration - registration number. registration number.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Protect Voter Registration Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , even if the registration was a mistake.
- In Arizona, the 9th Circuit found that voters can register to vote using the federal voter registration
- From an error prone paper form to a 30 day registration deadline, HB 5 5337 adds yet another barrier
- Are they supposed to show up on election day and be told that their their voter registration did not
- All voters affirm their current US citizenship at the time of registration and do so under penalty of
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll change the registration. Thank you.
- Based on the voter registration precinct, the location of those different voter registration precincts
- registrations and confusion.
- their voter registration.
- HB2785 will ensure that voter registrations match voter IDs at the polls, help reduce incomplete registrations
Keywords:
early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:44:13.920>
so training prior to class registration so training prior to class registration - registrative code. registrative code.
- a hold on registration. a hold on registration.
- registration registration prior<01:10:14.800>
to <01:10:15.360>I <01:10:15.600>think - <01:13:14.880>
And tying it to registration. Thank you. And tying it to registration.
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion.
The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date.
After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/11/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In short, ERIC will make voter registration more accurate, safer, and improve our registration system
- short Eric will make voter registration short Eric will make voter registration more<00:06:58.280
- maintaining our voter registration maintaining our voter registration database<00:26:42.080>
- registration registration database<00:28:34.240>
uh <00:28:34.519>last <00:28:34.960>- <01:44:20.040>
to registration to registration to vote<01:44:21.960>tied <01:44:22.320> - <01:44:20.040>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think they have maybe one that they. talked about about voter registration.
- Right now, if a voter registration is challenged...
- If, for some reason, at the point of registration, a registrant has failed to provide the required documentation
- form to Restrict those registrants.
- That's so important for the registrant themself.
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- If a voter registration submissions?
- cannot do automated registration. cannot do automated registration.
- registration? registration? >> Yes,<01:01:35.920>
we <01:01:36.040>do. - Some do keep an active registration with Some do keep an active registration with our<01:38:54.120>
- . registration. registration.
Bills:
SB2041
Keywords:
land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees.
The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments.
Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Adding this provision into the code would allow anyone to challenge a Texan's voter registration based
- This was the standard practice before the Help America Vote Act, the voter registration application.
- Then Help America Vote came along, and we made a statewide voter registration database.
- This practice was stopped because all the voter registrations within the state were communicating, but
- So this is actually something that was in practice for years in voter registration, and we should put
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Concerns have been raised about how counties are managing challenges to voter registration.
- Concerns have been raised about how counties are managing challenges to voter registration.
- SB 2681 adds an unworkable, vague standard into the voter registration challenge process by allowing
- Each state's voter registration authorities. Madam Chair, there's a committee substitute.
- The voter registration application used to have a place for your former address.
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending.
Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.