Video & Transcript : 'Iowa schools' :
Page 46 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- of working with leaders of the highest level of our nation's military, law enforcement, as well as schools
- Physicians, Arizona Medical Association, Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Pharmacy Association, School
- women's basketball team captured its first national championship Saturday, rallying past Kirkwood, Iowa
- away from the negotiating table as it relates to Prop 1, 2, 3, and turn their backs on our public schools
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- of working with leaders of the highest level of our nation's military, law enforcement, as well as schools
- Arizona Medical Association, Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pharmacy Association, School
- women's basketball team captured its first national championship Saturday, rallying past Kirkwood, Iowa
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and numerous guest introductions, including advocates for children’s health, Jewish advocacy, housing affordability, environmental issues, and other community groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including a resolution-style statement for Lobo Week supporting Mexican gray wolf conservation and a brief announcement about an upcoming CAP update.
The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two Senate bills. SB 1415 was recommended do pass without amendment, and SB 1430 was amended in committee to remove a disputed provision so the measure remained limited to tax-code corrections; it was then recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and both bills were deferred for engrossing. Earlier calendar actions also included the placement and referral of several Senate bills and resolutions.
On third reading, the House passed HB 2680 on workers’ compensation by a vote of 55-1, and SB 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses by a vote of 57-0. The session included extended partisan debate during personal privilege remarks over the federal government shutdown, TSA pay, ICE presence at airports, and broader federal and state budget issues. The House later recessed briefly, received additional bill referrals and first readings, and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Government Oversight REVISED: SB1771, SB1805 and SB1916 - Added Apr 14th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Government Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know what kind of contracts would roll between school years.
- I don't know if that's a good idea to... ...contracts would roll between school years.
- I don't know if that's a good idea to get into a long-term contractual obligation of the school or if
- ...control away from our school districts to be able to charge for the use of their facilities?
- The language says school districts shall not.
Bills:
SB1265 , SB2154 , SB1286 , SB1365 , SB1491 , SB1525 , SB1581 , SB1775 , SB1810 , SB1884 , SB2118 , SB2174 , SB1771 , SB1805 , SB1916
Committee:
House Government Oversight
Keywords:
municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget 3rd Revised Apr 13th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- charter schools trying to gain access to Facilities or as charter schools grow.
- They all kind of use a unique way of reaching schools, but all schools are eligible for those line item
- Perhaps the technology insertion into a school district, some schools that are large, like multi-site
- to the School for the Deaf.
- Those are public schools, those are Oklahoma public schools.
Bills:
HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176
Keywords:
education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 13th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Having a due pass... $1,000 for safer school zones. Move to adopt. You have questions.
- House Bill 4065 appropriates $93,000 to the Oklahoma School for Science and Math for use in their school
- There was some ambiguity about whether this school and the schools that we're going to deal with in the
- Now, the school... The schools we're talking about are residential schools, correct?
- School for the Deaf.
Bills:
HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4033 , HB4034 , HB4035 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4039 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4044 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4049 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4071 , HB4072 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1149 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176
Keywords:
education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And it built over 5,000 schools.
- These same conversations are happening today in our schools. ...boardrooms and schools and cities, and
- As a result, Black schools, minority schools, and our kids are suffering.
- Washington, to pilot one school in Alabama to see if it would... ...work.
- Out of that pilot, 470 schools were built right here in Texas.
Bills:
HB370 , HB738 , HB2935 , HB3227 , HB4103 , HB5259 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB1247 , SB1248 , SB2112 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR59 , HCR109 , HCR111 , HCR135 , SCR6
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Keywords:
HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps grade school students foster their love of history and experience it in real life.
- Students back on school buses, going on field trips, going to these great places across the state.
Bills:
HB370 , HB738 , HB2935 , HB3227 , HB4103 , HB5259 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB1247 , SB1248 , SB2112 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR59 , HCR109 , HCR111 , HCR135 , SCR6
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Keywords:
HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Apr 24th, 2025
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not sure how she got the kids to school, but I suppose they're somewhere.
Bills:
HB186 , HB185 , HB182 , HB183 , HB184 , HB312 , HB460 , HB405 , HB186 , HB185 , HB182 , HB183 , HB184 , HB312 , HB405
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund
Keywords:
Alabama budget, general fund appropriations, fiscal year 2026, state budget, appropriations act, HB186, executive branch funding, legislative branch funding, judicial branch funding, debt service, capital outlay, corrections, Medicaid, public health, mental health, transportation, education, law enforcement, tourism, veterans affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So the partnership is between school districts or charter schools and higher ed.
- or any school activities.
- We're voting on our school finance bill. We've got a school security bill.
- They started with unaddressed problems at school because the schools have no resources, because the schools
- And I taught school and I taught school and I... Discipline is important in school. Absolutely.
Bills:
HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB 126 , HB290 , HB300 , HB2143 , HJR2 , HB147 , HJR6 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , SB1
Keywords:
career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget.
A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes.
The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6.
Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:14.240><c> to</c> travel to other states such as Iowa to travel to other states such as Iowa
- I know traditional school program.
- </c><00:38:07.520><c> and</c> and then some people went to school and and then some people went to school
- </c> don't have the money to go to school. don't have the money to go to school.
- were not able to get jobs and so school were not able to get jobs and so the<01:16:01.920><c> schools
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords:
massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We host great communities, amazing schools, wonderful amenities, and, of course, really good partners
- We host great communities, amazing schools, wonderful amenities, and, of course, really good partners
- We host great communities, amazing schools, wonderful amenities, and, of course, really good partners
- There are more people turning 65 than there are children entering elementary school.
- Next, Seu Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- John Paul II Preparatory School.
- John Paul II Preparatory School.
- </c> two minutes to my friend from Iowa, Mr. two minutes to my friend from Iowa, Mr.
- ,</c> their families, friends, and schools, their families, friends, and schools, shipped<06:30:56.638
- </c><06:41:04.958><c> and</c> have enough money for our schools and have enough money for our schools
Keywords:
agriculture, food security, farm programs, sustainability, conservation, nutrition assistance, budget resolution, fiscal responsibility, government funding, budgetary levels, congressional budget, foreign intelligence, digital currency, privacy, surveillance, FISA, civil liberties, rules resolution, special rule, House Rules Committee
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26 - Evening Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When I spoke to Alisa that first time, she indicated there was a dog at the middle school near me, so
- </c><00:18:05.480><c> So,</c> getting them back to school. So, getting them back to school.
- ,</c><00:48:19.400><c> I</c> Missouri, Ohio, Hawaii and Iowa, I Missouri, Ohio, Hawaii and Iowa, I understand
- In med school we spend four years learning physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology.
- In med school we our most vulnerable.
Summary:
The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register.
House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register.
Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii, Tennessee, Montana, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Connecticut, and Texas all have programs like these
- Hawaii, Tennessee, Montana, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Connecticut, and Texas all have programs like these
- Jurisdictions as varied as Texas, Montana, Iowa, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand have reaped
Committee:
House Community Safety
Keywords:
rehabilitation, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, first-time offenders, pathways to rehabilitation, mental health, sentencing alternative, criminal justice, diversion programs, HB 2641, ICE out act, law enforcement hiring, immigration and customs enforcement, ICE officers, former federal employees, sworn officer, police staffing, general authority law enforcement agency, limited authority law enforcement agency, immigration enforcement
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii, Tennessee, Montana, Georgia, Iowa,... ...states very similar in other states.
- Hawaii, Tennessee, Montana, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Connecticut, and Texas all have programs like these
- Jurisdictions as varied as Texas, Montana, Iowa, the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand have reaped
Summary:
The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and announced it would not hold executive session that day because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups; those executive sessions were pushed to the following Monday. The committee first heard House Bill 2558, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative (MHSA). Staff explained that the bill narrows eligibility to people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, adds restrictions for certain domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, requires more detailed DOC reports, lengthens some community custody terms, mandates regular progress hearings, and shifts assessment work to contracted providers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus the program on people whose offenses are tied to serious mental illness and to reduce misuse in domestic violence and other violent cases. No public testimony was taken on HB 2558 that day, and the hearing was held open for later testimony.
The committee then heard House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with a pretrial deferral option and a suspended sentence option for eligible first-time felony defendants. Supporters, including public defense, immigration advocates, judges, economists, and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, argued the bill would create a meaningful rehabilitation pathway, reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and avoid the long-term harm of an immediate felony conviction. They also said the deferred-adjudication structure could help immigrants avoid immigration consequences and would better incentivize restitution and compliance. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocates, raised concerns about expanding eligibility to offenses such as assault 2 and robbery 2, the meaning of “violent offense,” the possibility of judicial diversion without prosecutor consent, and the impact on victims and public safety. After testimony, the sponsor said she would remove the bill’s strong presumption in favor of relief, and the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2217.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from hiring people who were sworn ICE officers after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively beginning October 1, 2026. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect communities and prevent hiring officers associated with federal immigration enforcement practices she described as harmful. The committee then heard House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE employees conducting immigration enforcement to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, and document it, while providing state indemnification for officers acting in good faith. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect communities and officers; the Washington State Patrol said many of the practices already align with its policies. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed concerns about added reporting requirements, possible effects on federal-local cooperation, and asked for changes to soften mandatory language and strengthen indemnification. The committee ended the hearing without further testimony and adjourned, noting executive sessions on about a dozen bills would occur the following week.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM-EDT, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that if more schools, homes, businesses could have this technology, that will go a long way in
- Act 45 creates a buffer zone from schools, 100 feet. If this is an RUP, we no longer can use that.
- Act 45 creates a buffer zone from schools, 100 feet. If this is an RUP, we no longer can use that.
- Act 45 creates a buffer zone from schools, 100 feet. If this is an RUP, we no longer can use that.
- Zone from schools, 100 feet. If this is an RUP, we no longer can use that.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025.
The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations.
The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- population... in the state, and he guided over 430 priests to nearly 150 parishes and more than 50 schools
- Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa the next year.
- whole, and placed on the floor for full consideration. of the body weeks ago and we could have passed school
- Edward's University. and went on to earn degrees from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Business
- The Citizenship and Public Affairs and the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/24/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition to my turkey service, I coach high school girls swimming.
- </c><00:18:28.400><c> Enjoy</c> coach high school girls swimming.
- Enjoy coach high school girls swimming.
- </c><00:29:37.360><c> the</c> southern Minnesota, northern Iowa the southern Minnesota, northern Iowa
- education into our school.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- One is moving unspent funds, the $4 million from the dairy program to farm to school.
- Into farm to school, and so that's the first part of the bill.
- This policy change is intended to introduce a new market that schools can participate in by purchasing
- How much money is in the, and I'm kind of thinking, how many dollars are in the farm to school program
- I'm just kind of wondering, if you're sourcing 70% of the food for the school program from this, how
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Feb 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- As a law student, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2004 Iowa Presidential Caucus.
- With a few hundred voters packed into an elementary school gym, I watched as voters were sent to this
- lawyer by trade and actually worked at a law firm where I did election law when I graduated from law school
- lawyer by trade and actually worked at a law firm where I did election law when I graduated from law school
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on H. 4262 for Boston and H. 4916 for Bedford. Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, limited testimony to three minutes per person, and heard from a long list of advocates, local officials, and organizations. The hearing ended with no further registered speakers and the committee adjourned after inviting additional written testimony.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of ranked choice voting. Supporters included RepresentWomen, Reclaim Roxbury, the Boston Teachers Union, Veterans for All Voters, MassVOTE, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Our Revolution Massachusetts, and Bedford residents and organizers. Speakers argued that ranked choice voting would reduce the spoiler effect, encourage coalition-building and less negative campaigning, improve majority support for winners, and expand voter participation and representation, especially for women, young voters, and historically marginalized communities. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves through their home rule petitions.
Boston City Councilors and the City Council president also testified in favor, describing the city’s low municipal turnout, the council’s approval of the petition, and the fact that Boston voters previously supported a statewide ranked choice voting measure. Councilor Rutsi L. Jean explained the petition’s development through council hearings and working sessions, while Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said the proposal would be subject to a binding referendum if enacted and urged the legislature to let Boston residents pursue top-four ranked choice voting. Bedford speakers similarly said their town meeting supported the idea but that legislative approval was still needed. No opposition testimony or votes were taken during the hearing.