Video & Transcript : 'crossover voting' :
Page 425 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government. (2-10-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It wasn't um obviously with that vote count. I would not call that controversial.
- </c> It wasn't um obviously with that vote It wasn't um obviously with that vote count.<00:05:26.160>
- So, I am going to go ahead and call this for a vote. Um, all those in favor of the bill, vote I.
- Those against, vote no. Will the committee assistant please call the roll?
- >> vote I. >> vote I.
Committee:
House Local Government
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 26th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And by your vote, SM 1714 is reported favorably. Thank you very much.
- And by your vote, SB 1656 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, SM 1186 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, C.S. for SB 1602 is reported favorably. All right.
- By your vote, C.S. for SB 1604 is reported favorably. Thank you.
Summary:
The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several memorials and bills. It first reported favorably Senate Memorial 1714, which urges Congress to pass the No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then heard and approved SB 1512, expanding tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, with support from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. It also approved SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, replacing the Western Union, after discussion of the ship’s World War II service, museum role, and no known fiscal impact.
The committee next approved SM 1186, urging Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with members noting Florida’s population growth and emergency response needs. It then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; the bill was amended twice, including technical and clarifying changes, and reported favorably as a committee substitute. Senator Sharief expressed support and asked to co-sponsor the veterans housing measure.
Finally, the committee passed SB 1604, which creates the associated vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the veterans housing pilot program. That bill also received a technical amendment before being reported favorably as a committee substitute. After the bills were disposed of, members were invited to record votes if needed, and the committee adjourned without objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Creighton moves to reconsider the vote by which the previous committee substitute for H.B. 2
- And I, too, will be voting present, as we've had extensive conversations.
- And so with that, I'll be voting present, but I want to make sure you understand.
- and a couple of P&Vs, present not voting.
- P&Vs, present not voting, but that tells you how much progress has been made on this.
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to consider House Bill 2, the major public education and school finance bill. The committee first reconsidered and withdrew the prior committee substitute, then took up a new substitute. Senator Creighton explained several changes, including a correction to the golden penny yield weight, an increase in the special education evaluation incentive cap from $45 million to $67 million, timing changes to avoid a funding gap for Bluebonnet curriculum training grants, narrowed language affecting educator preparation providers, added facility-usage reporting language, incorporation of bilingual allotment language from Senate Bill 2185, removal of the $20 million annual cap on JROTC funding, and a prevailing-clause provision to make HB 2 controlling over conflicting measures.
Members generally praised the bill’s historic funding level but raised concerns about details and future floor debate. Senator Menendez said he appreciated the special education, safety, and teacher pay funding but was not ready to fully support the bill because of inflationary pressures, facilities funding, and district-specific impacts, and indicated he might vote present. Senator Parker strongly supported the bill, emphasizing historic funding, teacher pay, and the need to continue refining the package. Senator Witt also said he would vote present while seeking more refinement, especially on certification issues for public and charter schools. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the bill’s scale, including about $8 billion in new funding and $1.3 billion for special education, while Senator Hinojosa asked for more flexibility in the basic allotment and thanked the author for bilingual education and coastal-area provisions.
The committee then adopted the new committee substitute and voted to report HB 2 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed 9 ayes and 2 present not voting, with the bill reported as committee substitute do pass and be printed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We voted to lower our benefits.
- We're trying to find one more senator so we can vote.
- We're trying to find one more senator so we can vote.
- Okay, everybody good to vote? All right.
- Okay, everybody good to vote? All right.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TOU/ECD Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Chair's recommendation is to pass as is.
- Chair and Vice Chair vote aye. Representative Holt, aye. Representative Hussey, aye.
- </c> to pass as is chair and vice chair vote to pass as is chair and vice chair vote I<00:21:04.120><
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 11, 2025, to hear House Bill 96 and House Bill 106. HB 96 would allow low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes, limit the credit to taxes imposed in the same county as the qualified building, and make Act 129 permanent. The Department of Taxation opposed the bill, saying it would be difficult to administer, would complicate the tax system, and could be susceptible to abuse; it also noted the credit would benefit the hotel owner even though the tax is paid by the customer. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised consumer protection concerns. No other testimony was offered, and the chair later recommended deferring HB 96 for further work with the Department of Taxation and the committee.
HB 106 would authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support farming businesses engaged in agricultural tourism and expand the definition of enterprise accordingly. The Agribusiness Development Corporation testified in support, saying farmers requested the change, it would diversify income, and it would provide technical and financial support. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the measure, and the chair noted eight pieces of testimony in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised, and the chair recommended passing the bill as is.
The committee voted on HB 106, with the chair and vice chair voting aye, along with Representatives Holt, Hussey, Ilagan, and Todd; Representative Matsumoto was excused. The chair’s recommendation to pass HB 106 was adopted, and the hearing was adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is appalling to me that this is up for vote. Please vote against it.
- Everybody has known by my vote that I support that.
- and to vote them.
- To vote in their elected representatives and to vote them out in that process of elections.
- And then we voted on... And thank you for that.
Committee:
House House Education
Keywords:
student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe with no no votes. And it went to the Senate. Thank you for your time.
- I have been robbed of that vote, and I feel robbed of that vote, and I actually don't even need to use
- on this and I think that calls into question what we're voting on.
- I'm not going to get to vote on that in this committee.
- Not voting. Hoover. Aye. Addis. Aye. Alvarez. Bonta. Not voting. Castillo. Aye. Garcia. Aye.
Committee:
House Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Health committee approves HF2464, the omnibus health policy bill 4/2/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> danger so I'm going to ask you to vote danger so I'm going to ask you to vote no<00:11:36.240><c
- Minnesota members, I ask you to please vote no on the amendment.
- Minnesota members, I ask you to please vote no on the amendment.
- <00:19:04.039><c> no</c><00:19:04.360><c> on</c><00:19:04.520><c> the</c> vote no on the vote no on the
- For that reason, I will be voting for the amendment.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on House Bill 1086. Voting on House Bill 1086 HD1 as is.
- vote voting on House Vice chair for the vote voting on House Bill<02:59:07.640><c> 1088</c><02:59:09.040
- </c> members not Vice chair for the vote members not Vice chair for the vote voting<03:01:24.279><c>
- </c><03:07:45.319><c> Bill</c> for the vote okay voting on House Bill for the vote okay voting on House
- vote voting on House Vice chair for the vote voting on House Bill<03:12:32.479><c> 427</c><03:12:33.319
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million.
HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries.
HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote voting<02:18:08.000
- vote voting on House Vice chair for the vote voting on House Bill<02:21:11.160><c> 398</c><02:21:12.040
- </c> members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote voting<02:24:45.760
- Bill</c><02:26:54.800><c> 132</c> for the vote voting on House Bill 132 for the vote voting on House
- </c> members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote voting<02:30:05.200
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance.
Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 12, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- vote for House Bill 17 as amended.
- </c> take a roll call vote on House Bill 17. take a roll call vote on House Bill 17.
- </c> left an I vote. left an I vote. >> Representative<00:13:26.720><c> Harshman.
- So, thank you. 32 votes to pass it out of the house. 32 votes to pass it out of the house.
- </c> >> Uh, she left a no vote. >> Uh, she left a no vote.
Keywords:
right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 4/3/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:15:41.520><c> in</c> have a an affirmative vote in have a an affirmative vote in favor<01:15:
- Please vote no.
- I know that you will not change your votes.
- I know that you will not change your votes.
- > that</c> Ash are asking for a yes vote is that Ash are asking for a yes vote is that correct<01:45:
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Each time a vote has been taken since that time, I have raised objections to that vote for those who
- </c> myself on the one time I missed a vote myself on the one time I missed a vote and<02:04:37.960><
- person voted.
- person voted.
- person voted.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee opened its hearing with a procedural discussion about a forthcoming Monday hearing, and the chair confirmed that any amendment deemed non-germane would be made public in advance and included in the calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would replace the word “citizen” in the Right-to-Know law with “any person,” allow requesters to specify the format of records, and expressly reference preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body as disclosable material. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law, remove uncertainty after a Rochester-related dispute over requester eligibility, and make records easier to obtain electronically unless doing so would be impossible, unusual, unduly burdensome, or harmful to recordkeeping integrity.
Testimony was mixed. Cordell Johnston, speaking for himself as a municipal attorney, opposed most of the bill, especially the requirement that records be delivered electronically or by mail, arguing that out-of-state or out-of-country requests can be fishing expeditions that impose significant burdens on towns and clerks. He said local residents already can obtain records at town hall and that many municipalities voluntarily email records as a courtesy, but should not be required to mail large volumes of material. He also said the preliminary-draft language was unnecessary because such drafts are already covered when circulated to a quorum or majority. Representative Alexander raised concerns about the breadth of “any person,” potential abuse by bad actors, and the cost to municipalities, while Representative Peternell asked about whether the bill should account for nonresident property owners and business owners. The sponsor responded that limiting requesters by residency would not meaningfully stop abuse and said he did not know the bill’s fiscal impact, though he suggested it might improve efficiency.
Yil Biset of the ACLU of New Hampshire testified in support of HB 6, calling it a modest and reasonable transparency measure. He said the preliminary-draft language was acceptable and consistent with existing exemption language in the public-meeting and documents statutes, and he said he was not aware of foreign-bot document requests occurring in New Hampshire. He also noted that current law already requires electronic disclosure when records exist electronically and can reasonably be provided that way. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Four votes. All right, that has four votes, and we'll leave that open for members to add on.
- Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
- Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
- Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
- Four votes. Great. That has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director.
Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate.
Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have received a majority vote.
- I have received a majority vote. Mr. President, there are 48 ayes, one excused.
- I have received a majority vote.
- vote, Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9227, Edison A.
- So I ask for a yes vote. Thank you. I asked for a yes vote. Thank you.
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused.
The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote.
The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a good bill, and I urge your aye vote. Is there further debate?
- Majority having voted in the affirmative, Senate Bill 1293 has passed the Senate.
- on that first before we vote on this.
- before the horse. before we vote on this.
- yes on this, you're voting for property tax relief, right?
Summary:
The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and adopted several routine committee reports and referrals. Committee actions included printing and referral of Senate Resolution 116, referral of various newly printed bills, and transmission of House bills and enrolled measures between chambers. The chamber also received messages from the House and advanced several bills through first and second reading calendars.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1276, which removes a sunset on a public employee retirement provision allowing certain retired employees to return to work, after supporters said it helps address teacher shortages and does not harm the retirement system. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1291, a Title 33 education code cleanup bill tied to prior task force work; supporters said it repeals obsolete or unused provisions, while no opposition was recorded. Senate Bill 1292, revising foster parent training requirements, passed on a shared roll call vote after supporters said it sets basic training expectations and improves foster care placement quality. Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims’ compensation is not treated as a public benefit under prior legislation, also passed unanimously on a shared roll call vote.
The most debated measure was Senate Bill 1288, creating the Idaho High Needs Student Fund to reimburse districts for unusually high special education costs above $30,000 per student, using $5 million in one-time funds. Supporters argued it would help districts meet federal obligations, reduce local levy pressure, and provide targeted relief for the most expensive cases; opponents said it was a patchwork fix, could become an ongoing obligation, and should wait for broader funding formula reform. After extended debate, the bill passed 22-1 and was sent to the House. The Senate then reordered the third reading calendar, moved to miscellaneous business, heard several introductions and announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So I will be voting no on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- So I will be voting no on this. For the ban on the motion. Good lady from two.
- I'll be voting no. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the debate on the motion. Gentleman, 25.
- Members will cast their votes. Has every member voted? Has every member voted?
- Members will cast their votes. Has every member voted? Does any member wish to change their vote?
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal. The session also included a page program recognizing the House pages and their sponsors, with remarks thanking them for their service and highlighting their future plans and experiences in the legislature.
The House received messages from the Governor and Senate, referred several newly introduced bills to committees, and reported multiple committee actions. Among the measures introduced were bills on dental plan transparency, SNAP integrity, tax credit scholarships, a sales tax exemption for Salvation Army purchases, tax administration changes, election canvassing and ballot procedures, creation of an Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination, LLC formation, parental rights-related legislation, public funds, and earned autonomy for charter schools. The House also advanced several bills from committee to the third reading calendar and passed House Bill 620, which gives county commissioners a formal voice in federal land-use decisions affecting their counties.
House Bill 598, dealing with campaign finance transparency and the handling of personal funds or loans in campaign accounts, drew extensive debate over whether the language required separate accounts, how cash and digital donations would be treated, the seven-day reporting requirement, and enforcement by the Secretary of State. After discussion, the House voted 55-10 to send the bill to General Orders for further work. House Bill 620 then passed the House 60-5 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also held remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled House Bills 514 and 515, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, I would ask for a no vote on this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- I'm going to urge a no vote. Senator Wilson? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- So asking for a no vote. Any other comments?
- So I ask you to vote no. Thank you. Senator Hasegawa. the ballot as well.
- I've already told you where my outcome is going to be on a no vote.
Summary:
The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 23, 2026, first taking executive action on several bills. The committee held SB 6035 and SB 5842 for another week, then worked through SB 5973 on initiative and referendum signature gathering rules. Members debated 12 amendments to a proposed substitute and the underlying bill, but none were adopted. The substitute would prohibit pay-per-signature and require 1,000 pre-filing signatures for initiatives; opponents argued it would burden the initiative process, while supporters said it would curb fraud and improve accountability. The committee then advanced SB 5892, SB 6081, SB 5877, SB 5968, and SB 6034, each on a due pass recommendation, with SB 6081 referred to the Transportation Committee and the others sent to Rules or Ways and Means as noted in the motions.
During public hearing, the committee heard SB 5888, which would remove Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women's Commission. Senator Wellman said the change would align the commission with similar bodies and correct an inconsistency, and commission staff testified in support, saying the appointment process is already thorough and that the governor would retain appointment authority. The committee also heard SB 6123, expanding a public-records exemption for voluntarily supplied demographic information to local government employees; a Pierce County HR director supported the bill, saying it would help build trust while preserving aggregate reporting. The hearing on SB 5853, sponsored by Senator Wilson, drew strong support and no opposition; it would create a statewide emergency notification system for public officials to alert them to targeted threats, with the Secretary of State and Military Department involved in administration. Secretary of State staff said they supported the concept but wanted to work with the sponsor on implementation details, and the sponsor said he was willing to amend the bill to address those concerns.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (08/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The commission is voting on it tonight. The commission is voting on it tonight.
- But the Lottery Commission doesn't vote on it till tonight.
- So, lottery voting on it tonight.
- :27:32.400><c> putting</c> commission is voting on putting commission is voting on putting emergency<
- </c><00:27:54.559><c> on</c> the lottery commission doesn't vote on the lottery commission doesn't vote
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items: DES rule FP 25127 concerning dug-in boat basins and HHS child care licensing rule 25132. The child care licensing item was then taken up separately. HHS staff said the rule had been developed over more than a year with the child care advisory council and the broader child care community, and that it was urgent because the department is out of compliance with federal Office of Child Care requirements and needs database changes completed in time for a September 30, 2025 implementation deadline. After brief questions, the committee moved to approve the rule as presented, and it passed unanimously.
The committee also considered an HHS interim rule to restore expired rules and keep them in compliance while regular rulemaking proceeds. HHS explained the rules had expired in April and that the filing was intended to minimize the gap until permanent rulemaking could occur; the only fee in the rule relates to copying medical records, and the department said it is not collecting those fees. Committee members noted broader problems with keeping rules current in the state’s tracking system, but said the situation had improved. The committee then moved to approve the interim rule, and it was adopted unanimously.
For DES rule 25127 on project-specific requirements for boat houses, staff and committee members focused on language about new dug-in basins. Some members were concerned the rule read like an absolute prohibition without clear statutory authority, while DES staff said a waiver process exists and offered possible edits to clarify that dug-in basins could still be approved in rare cases if a waiver is granted or if they are the least impacting alternative. Because the language needed further work, the committee postponed the item for one month and asked DES to return with written conditional-approval language. The committee also voted to move its October meeting to October 17 at 9:00 a.m. in State House 100, and was told to expect an emergency Lottery Commission rule on slot machines next month. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee - (5-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, I'm going to vote I.
- Oh, I'm going to vote I. But I'm please. Oh, I'm going to vote I.
- All those in favor, vote I. All those opposed, vote no. Clerk, please call the roll.
- All those in favor vote I. All those opposed, vote no. Clerk, would you please call the roll?
- Thank you very much, I vote I.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for Representative McCool, who was absent due to a family death, then approved the April 14 minutes and noted the agenda contained 482 items totaling about $138.6 million. The first deferred item involved the Office of the Controller and a brokerage services contract. Senators questioned why the new contract was roughly $1 million a year when a prior vendor had been paid about $300,000 annually, why the procurement was rebid after years of no-bid arrangements, and why past performance was not heavily weighted. Agency witnesses said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the new RFP drew more competition, technical evaluators did not see cost until after technical scoring, and AON received the highest technical score despite being an out-of-state vendor with its closest office in Nashville. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action, and the contract advanced to the Finance Cabinet for final decision.
The committee then considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment. Members asked what funding was being redirected to cover an increase of about $265,000. DCBS explained that reduced spending on interpreter services, due to more commonly used forms being translated into other languages, freed up funds to support the contract. The committee approved the item.
Next, the committee reviewed an initial contract for the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. The board explained that its small legal staff was handling 11 active cases and needed outside counsel with investigators and additional attorneys because of ongoing litigation and disciplinary changes tied to prior legislation and a recent LOIC report. Members asked whether the contract was a not-to-exceed amount and whether the board could afford it; the board said the $50,000 was a ceiling, not an expected spend, and that the board was fully funded through licensing fees and currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing recent reforms in Senate Bills 14 and 22 and the need to help the board work through corrective action. The committee approved the contract. The Board of Pharmacy item was then deferred at the agency’s request until the June 2025 meeting, and the committee approved that deferral.