Video & Transcript : 'community preparedness' :
Page 496 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And when we talk about this as we go around the state with the employment community here in Louisiana
- This is going to be a big message sender to the business community at large that Louisiana is committed
- And I believe this is a small price to pay for that safety for our community.
- And we have, in this case, minor children were being kidnapped from our community and they were fleeing
- And what that costs, the taxpayers of those communities or this state. Correct.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax.
The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended.
House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We set them up with all of their needs as far as resources in the community.
- So they're women that are coming back into our community.
- But they're coming back into our community.
- So they're women that are coming back into our community.
- But they're coming back into our community.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met with a quorum and began with remarks honoring veterans on the committee, including presentation of Capitol-flown flags and certificates. The chair also announced new decorum rules, including a ban on hats except religious headwear, and reminded members about the importance of truthful testimony. The committee then moved into executive session to consider several bills related to veterans’ issues and benefits.
The committee first took up House Bill 3029, which dealt with regulating veterans benefits matters and limiting bad actors who charge veterans for claims assistance. Members discussed concerns about private companies, accredited service officers, veterans’ choice, and whether the bill would reduce access or create future problems with VA reviews. Amendments were adopted to clarify that the bill would not cover housing loans and to remove a paragraph affecting certain registered providers. After debate, the committee voted 14-7 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for HB 3029. The committee then approved House Bill 3280, concerning spouse disability license plates, by a unanimous 21-0 vote.
Next, the committee considered House Bill 2306 along with related bills HB 2276 and HB 2089 in a combined committee substitute. The measure would create property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses based on assessed value, with categories tied to disability ratings. Members asked detailed questions about how the exemption would interact with short-term rentals, remarriage, unoccupied homes, and the senior tax freeze. The sponsor explained the exemption would apply to a qualified primary residence and continue in certain cases such as assisted living or veterans homes. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted 18-2 to do pass the combined bill package.
After the votes, the committee heard testimony from Heather, founder and executive director of Healing House and New Beginnings, a Christ-centered recovery program for women with substance use disorder. She described the program’s housing, recovery support, accreditation, and community outreach, and members praised its work. The committee also heard from Steve Baker of the Cass County Veterans Coalition, who described a local volunteer network that connects veterans to jobs and services. He emphasized that the coalition does not provide services itself but helps veterans find the right resources. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I won't be supporting the bill, but I do hope that as a bipartisan community, we can come together to
- I won't be supporting the bill, but I do hope that as a bipartisan community, we can come together to
- I work a lot with the disability community myself. And I've never heard anything.
- I only ask that we push this forward for the benefit of our community and our members. Thank you.
- So I'll be in opposition, but I understand obviously the need of your local community.
Committee:
House Elections
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a great resource for the community.
- There is an excitement in the community about it.
- And so, but it still is a local community.
- And some of those materials are oral communication for the parents, not just written communication.
- And some of those materials are oral communication for the parents, not just written communication.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
mandatory reporting, school employees, child protection, training requirements, Department of Children and Family Services, education, reading program, student eligibility, literacy, school performance, R.E.A.D. program, book distribution, École Pointe-au-Chien, French immersion, public school, Terrebonne Parish, grade levels, independent school, virtual school, extracurricular activities
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Seven - Wednesday, February 25 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're flying every day in communities all over our state.
- In the rural communities, that's how it really works, and this bill will assist.
- He was a father to the community. He was a father in the state. He was an amazing man. The state.
- This is actually allowing our community organizations and our nonprofits and even our churches in our
- And donations, local community efforts could all be done without the state government involvement is
Summary:
The House convened after a quorum call and welcomed several guests and advocacy groups, including disability rights advocates, American Heart Association volunteers, and special guests connected to public safety, transportation, and Miss Missouri. After quorum was established, the chamber moved into House bills on perfection and formal passage.
Members first debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2587, which would update Missouri law on unmanned aircraft and give trained law enforcement clearer authority to detect, track, and respond to dangerous drone activity around critical infrastructure and major events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. Supporters said it was needed for public safety and to align with federal law; some members raised concerns about FAA jurisdiction, commercial drone use, privacy, and possible future expansion. The substitute was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then took up House Bill 1977, which removes notarization requirements for detention and evaluation applications and related documents when completed by certain qualified professionals; members said it would help rural hospitals and streamline 96-hour commitment paperwork. That bill was also adopted and ordered perfected and printed.
The chamber next considered House Bill 2593, a Missouri National Guard and military affairs bill modernizing Guard authority to respond to cyber threats, updating awards and emergency relief provisions, and adding veterans’ recognition language. Three amendments were adopted: one creating a living organ donor leave/status provision for Guard members, one providing a monthly allowance to cover TRICARE or similar premiums for certain service members on state active duty, and one extending legal protections to Guard personnel activated for state emergency duty, similar to federal servicemember protections. The amended bill was then ordered perfected and printed.
Finally, the House debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1948, the fatherhood bill creating a state fatherhood program to support community organizations and nonprofits that help fathers overcome barriers to involvement with their children. Supporters cited child welfare, poverty, incarceration, and reintegration benefits; opponents questioned whether it was an appropriate government role. An amendment was adopted to preserve certain driving, hunting/fishing, and occupational license relief for participating fathers who comply with child support or custody obligations. The amended bill was then ordered perfected and printed. The House also adopted House Bill 2473, which clarifies rules for real estate brokers’ trust accounts by allowing limited personal funds for service charges and permitting interest to be withdrawn within 30 days, and then adjourned after announcements and notice of bills to be considered on the next legislative day.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Joe having land banks to really opening it up potentially to any community of 1,500 or more.
- Well, then we had other community. The Marshall came up. The Marshall came up.
- I can tell you at least three communities in St.
- And you know my community, so you know where I'm coming from and why I ask that question.
- And you know my community, so you know where I'm coming from and why I ask that question.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- For credit unions, directors and volunteers, we serve in multiple communities and work full-time jobs
- I'm the president and CEO of West Community Credit Union. We operate in St. Louis primarily.
- We also operate in Boone County in Columbia under the name Tigers Community Credit Union, M.Z.
- It includes what is not limited to records that are publicly available or communicated directly to a
- These are terms of art in the legal community. Right.
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2116, which drew comments about children’s education and an amendment offered by Representative Hinman. Hinman explained the amendment would phase out the Missouri tax subtraction for contributions to non-Missouri 529 plans for new users beginning January 1, 2027, while allowing existing users to continue. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a substitute, and then voted the House Committee substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 present. Hinman also noted concerns from the investment community about the absence of an advisor-sold 529 option and urged the department to work toward restoring it.
In public hearing, Representative Lane Roberts presented House Bill 1870, a garnishment and exemption update that would modernize long-outdated exemption amounts, tie some amounts to CPI adjustments, increase the homestead exemption, and create new procedures for garnishment of financial institution account funds. The Missouri Bankers Association supported the bill, saying it was the product of extensive work with stakeholders and would improve efficiency and reduce legal risk for banks, while also protecting debtors’ rights. Questions focused on joint accounts, business accounts, and notice to account holders; a private attorney speaking in opposition argued the bill could improperly shift burdens onto non-debtor account holders and raised concerns about tenancy by the entirety, corporate accounts, and equitable garnishment.
Representative Castile then presented House Bill 2586, which would lower the minimum credit union membership share from $25 to $1 and allow credit union board and committee meetings and voting by electronic means. The Missouri Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying it would improve access for members who need the $25 and help boards meet despite weather or distance, while also aligning state law more closely with federal practice. Finally, Representative Oehlerking presented House Bill 3107, the “Safe Harbor” bill, which would shield financial institutions from civil liability under state law when they act in good faith reliance on written guidance from regulators, while excluding fraud, intentional misconduct, willful wrongdoing, and gross negligence. Credit union and banking representatives supported the measure as a defense against costly litigation based on compliance with required forms and guidance, while an opposing attorney argued the bill relied on nonpublic agency guidance, raised separation-of-powers concerns, and could leave consumers without recourse; witnesses also discussed possible examples such as overdraft fee litigation and the need for any guidance to be public and reviewable.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Eighteen - Tuesday, February 10 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Then surely they can be in uniform within our communities and follow through with community policing.
- Then surely they can be in uniform within our communities and follow through with community policing.
- So it's basically 99% of the communication you would have with the State Department. Yes, ma'am.
- The blind community really needs this to happen. Hopefully this will be the year that it happens.
- The blind community in my area also is wanting for this to happen. It's been a long time coming.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And the fact that a lot of communities, at least the ones I'm familiar with, they want to get a block
- So I would say that there's good actors and bad actors within the wholesaling communities. Sure.
- They're small people who are buying homes in their communities and restoring them.
- Again, most of our buyers that are buying these properties to rehab live in these communities.
- They're buying properties within 10 miles of their own homes because they know these communities.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we value, I value, all of the work that our EITEs do in our communities, and we want to make..
- So I believe one of those closures was in my community, WestRock.
- Most of our member mills are in smaller, more rural communities—think Longview, think Wallula, think
- We don’t want to make it easy for these companies to leave our community and emit more carbon, whether
- It was really fascinating, and I hope that other members of the community can visit as well.
Summary:
The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2537, which would change how energy-intensive, trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) are treated under the Climate Commitment Act. Committee staff and the bill sponsor explained that the measure would require Ecology to update its post-2034 report to include proposed allowance-reduction methods, leakage-risk adjustments, and consignment recommendations, and would add new reporting and decarbonization-planning requirements for EITEs to continue receiving no-cost allowances. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2245, a separate Clean Energy Transformation Act bill, and later voted the proposed substitute out of committee on an 11-8 vote with 2 excused, after debate over exemptions for certain utilities and market customers.
Supporters of HB 2537, including The Nature Conservancy, NRDC, Washington Conservation Action, Climate Solutions, Clean and Prosperous Washington, Ecology, and some utility representatives, said the bill would provide needed clarity, better data, and a path for long-term industrial decarbonization while helping prevent emissions leakage. They argued that EITEs receive substantial public value through free allowances and should be required to document emissions sources, energy needs, and feasible reduction pathways so the state can design a post-2035 policy consistent with climate goals. Ecology said it generally supports the bill, though it recommended streamlining duplicative reporting and noted the work would require significant agency resources not included in the governor’s budget.
Opponents, including the Association of Washington Business, the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, the Association of Western Pulp and Paperworkers, WISPA, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, Food Northwest, Simplot, Kaiser Aluminum, and Newcor Steel, warned that the bill could increase compliance burdens, expose sensitive business information, and worsen leakage risks by making Washington less competitive. They said many facilities have already made major investments and face high capital costs, limited clean electricity supply, permitting delays, and technologies that are not yet commercially viable at scale. Several speakers pointed to recent plant closures and job losses in pulp and paper, food processing, and metals as evidence that leakage is already occurring, and urged the committee to preserve flexibility, protect confidentiality, and consider targeted funding or other incentives rather than new mandates alone.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Bureau to cooperate with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities
- </c><00:14:46.959><c> in</c><00:14:47.279><c> the</c> rural and underserved communities in the rural
- and underserved communities in the state<00:14:47.680><c> with</c><00:14:47.920><c> a</c><00:14:48.240
- can have access people in our community can have access to<00:15:32.959><c> see</c><00:15:33.120><c>
- </c> discuss um how we will be communicating discuss um how we will be communicating this<00:21:44.559
Summary:
The Committee on Education heard three resolutions. STR 53 SD1 sought to have the Legislative Reference Bureau work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access so residents can participate in the legislative process. Testimony from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure, emphasizing that many advocates cannot always travel to the Capitol and need better access. STR 117 SD1 urged the Department of Education to work with the Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by students and develop safety improvements; DOE described an upcoming live route audit, noted the large number of routes and stops on the Big Island, and said some stops are on private roads. The Department of Transportation, Hawaii County Council, the mayor’s office, and others supported the measure, and members discussed whether the effort could eventually expand statewide.
STR 134 asked the Department of Education to provide a detailed report on the true cost of producing school meals to improve transparency and avoid unnecessary price increases. DOE said it already tracks food, labor, benefits, supplies, equipment, and other costs to calculate per-meal costs, but does not currently include transportation costs in the same way; it stated its breakfast cost was $5.80 and lunch cost was $8.66. Support testimony came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and others, who said clearer cost information is especially important amid funding uncertainty.
In decision making, the committee amended and passed STR 53 SD1, reverting it to the original draft by replacing the Legislative Reference Bureau with the Controller and adding coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, while removing references tied to the LRB and the public access room outreach clause. The committee also amended and passed STR 117 SD1, shifting the lead role to the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and adding a request for the County of Hawaii to consider funding the effort. STR 134 was passed unamended. Representative Souza was excused for the votes.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:20:41.919><c> safe</c> every day to keep our communities safe every day to keep our communities
- </c><00:57:00.039><c> health</c> organization might be a community health organization might be a community
- </c> year the appropriation for Community year the appropriation for Community Mental<03:41:40.000><c
- </c><04:07:50.920><c> engagement</c> a work and Community engagement a work and Community engagement
- </c> their normal duties out into communities their normal duties out into communities like<04:09:02.040
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/10/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> fund, and a household community fund, and a household community stability<01:38:01.520><c> fund.
- </c><01:45:28.239><c> stability</c> the household and community stability the household and community
- The dedicated resources through the household and community stability fund would allow communities to
- </c> through the household and community through the household and community stability<01:47:04.480><
- fund would allow communities stability fund would allow communities to<01:47:06.080><c> better</c><01
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/28/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:54:25.680><c> partners</c> advocacy groups, and community partners advocacy groups, and community
- . communities. communities.
- </c><05:25:21.440><c> in</c> lot of options for the communities in lot of options for the communities
- </c><05:28:50.558><c> systems</c> homes to build a new community systems homes to build a new community
- </c> community system, that's all required. community system, that's all required.
Committee:
House Resources, Recreation and Development
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><02:23:57.120><c> We</c> are important in our communities. We are important in our communities.
- ,</c><02:28:15.680><c> if</c> there's a need in a community, if there's a need in a community, if there's
- </c><02:28:42.560><c> in</c> to add capacity to serve a community in to add capacity to serve a community
- </c> serve the patients in their community. serve the patients in their community.
- </c> it, if the community needs it. it, if the community needs it.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/02/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> guidance to the world the community guidance to the world the community worldwide<00:25:07.919><
- with the community, we'll take it.
- </c> country the question is the communities country the question is the communities and<01:04:06.400
- </c> communities across the country, right? communities across the country, right?
- </c><01:48:17.840><c> Um</c> in this community. Um in this community.
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3,2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. would how would um somebody communicate would how would um somebody communicate that<00:23
- impacts their communities as well.
- impacts their communities as well.
- </c> can't harm the community. can't harm the community.
- At least I pushed you up. >> Okay, good. community. Um and that um I would love community.
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation.
The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown.
For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:36.160><c> reintegration</c> recovery and Community reintegration recovery and Community reintegration
- </c><00:21:12.320><c> has</c><00:21:12.559><c> no</c> policies and yet the community has no policies
- and yet the community has no input<00:21:13.360><c> on</c><00:21:13.640><c> how</c><00:21:13.799><c>
- only way the community families can actually<00:21:20.559><c> fight</c><00:21:20.840><c> for</c><00:
- So why would you need to be on the board when you already have this communication opportunity?
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro.
Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons.
Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/05/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:48:27.360><c> security</c> I'm the director of community security I'm the director of community
- 48:28.599><c> relations</c> for the Jewish community relations for the Jewish community relations Council
- generously supports community security.
- supports community security.
- It's not only with the Jewish community, like Mr. Allen said.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Communications Director is Anna Spentech.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
Committee:
House Election Law
Summary:
The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program.
Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections.
Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.