Video & Transcript Research : 'referendum'
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FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And lastly, via a referendum.
- So that's why this is taking a prospective route and saying that from July 1 onward, any referendums
- in order for this referendum to pass, and then once the referendum passed, they were basically saying
- So any public school is eligible for these funds through that referendum or through those referendums
- So, with regards to the referendums, that was fixed in 2019.
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis.
The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But if there's an extra... in referendum question two and I guess I in referendum question two and I
- <00:54:09.559>
uh of Education to go to do a referendum uh of Education to go to do a referendum - <00:59:17.640>
and improvements based on the referendum and improvements based on the referendum - <00:59:20.839>
perhaps people vote on those referendums perhaps people vote on those referendums - <01:13:49.960>
to approved a $ 44.1 million referendum to approved a $ 44.1 million referendum
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Levy this amount is capped uh referendum Levy this amount is capped uh so<00:21:11.200>
a <00: - The three areas where there's an exception is where they can go to the voters on the referendum, the
- technology or capital projects referendum, or for building projects where the voters approve a higher
- for operating referendum carries on for up to 10 years.
- by school board action, so the operating referendum can be extended by board action.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , that that [clears throat] referendum, that that [clears throat] referendum, because<00:26:57.200
- and know when that referendum might be. and know when that referendum might be.
- new referendum by law. new referendum by law.
- the specific language of the referendum. the specific language of the referendum.
- referendum and then make a decision. referendum and then make a decision.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate and House Tax Policies Discussion Group - 05/06/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum on that. That one did not have a referendum.
- Um we include a referendum Um we include a referendum and<00:26:53.240>
then <00:26:53.480 - , so we put a I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum<00:27:07.760>
on <00:27:07.840>- Commissioner, we in the House Republicans were very big on having referendums. Having referendums.
- Subdivision three talks about referendum Subdivision three talks about referendum requirements.<
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So that is why this is taking a prospective route saying from July 1st onwards, any referendums that
- In previous years when the Legislature has made changes to millage or sales tax referendum, they have
- Obviously, any school district that holds a referendum whether it is a year from now or two years from
- The problem here is that the way the referendum was written, it did not account for the schools that
- And, so, any public school is eligible through that referendum.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 5th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
SB82, warrant recall, outstanding warrants, stale warrants, misdemeanor warrants, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, municipal magistrate, circuit court clerk, criminal procedure, court administration, docket cleanup, warrant audit, law enforcement notification, domestic violence, sex offense, weapons offense, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, felony-related charges
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate and House Tax Policies Discussion Group - 05/06/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum on that. That one did not have a referendum.
- I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum on that. That one did not have a referendum.
- I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum on that. That one did not have a referendum.
- I'm big into referendum, so we put a referendum on that. That one did not have a referendum.
- having referendums. having referendums.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- falling behind the operating referendum falling behind the operating referendum program<00:01:11.240
- operating referendums.
- operating referendums.
- <00:09:58.040>
in the impact of operating referendums in the impact of operating referendums - <00:13:21.920>
in without an operating referendum in without an operating referendum in Minnesota
Keywords:
HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- To be fair, the operating referendum was supposed to be for extras, but we know these dollars are simply
- operating referendums.
- As was mentioned by my colleague, those properties do not contribute to operating referendums, which
- ran an operating referendum that would have raised the same dollar amount per pupil as us.
- Tacked on to the referendum equalization aid, basically.
Keywords:
HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They use a referendum market value tax that's primarily for the voter-approved operating referendum,
- sparsity and the the referendum sparsity and the the referendum inflation<01:12:25.840>
for the voter approved operating referendum the voter approved operating referendum amounts<01:13:35.840 - essentially was a measure of referendum essentially was a measure of referendum and<01:15:26.679
- passed even a dollar of referendum passed even a dollar of referendum initially<01:15:38.719>
Summary:
The committee first approved the January 21st minutes by voice vote. Members then resumed a school finance overview focused on how Minnesota’s “base” budgeting system works and how future committee targets are set above or below that base by the Ways and Means chair, in consultation with fiscal staff. Staff emphasized that school funding decisions are tied to the state budget base and that changes made by the tax committee can affect school levies and school finance more broadly.
The presentation then turned to property tax fundamentals. Staff explained that roughly 65% of school district revenue comes from state aid and about 20% from property taxes, with property tax revenue applying to school districts rather than charter schools. They reviewed the two main school tax bases—referendum market value and adjusted net tax capacity—along with class rates, sales ratios, and equalization. They also described tax credits, especially the school building bond agricultural credit, which helps reduce the property tax burden on agricultural land in Greater Minnesota.
Members discussed student choice programs and how funding follows students. In response to questions from Representative Quam, staff explained postsecondary enrollment options (including direct enrollment and College in the Schools) and online learning, noting that funding generally follows the student to the serving institution or district. Staff also reviewed Minnesota’s pupil-counting system, including average daily membership and pupil weighting, and explained that students attending charter schools, other districts through open enrollment, or online programs are counted where they are served.
The presentation concluded with broader school finance context: funding sources, equity and adequacy goals, constitutional and statutory authority, and the state’s school data systems (EUP/FARS, MARS, and STARS). Staff also began reviewing long-term enrollment trends, noting the impact of the baby boom, later growth from the mid-1980s through about 2000, and projected modest declines in public school enrollment through 2029.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- much wanted this referendum.
- I believe this has to do with the Tucson referendum, and I understand the people of Tucson very much
- wanted this referendum.
- The emergency clause already takes away the referendum to the people of Arizona to challenge anything
- And this bill would give power to a single person or organization that files a referendum.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and announced a recess at 11:30 a.m. for a proclamation honoring the University of Arizona men’s basketball team. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several bills, mostly on education and finance topics, including school assessment accountability, mental health instruction, public education, accumulated sick leave payments, tax administration, depository state money, dental board regulation, environmental quality, and competitive bidding.
On the education calendar, HB 2032 and HB 2033 dealt with school assessment accountability. An Angius amendment to HB 2032 changed a testing timeline from four to six weeks and was adopted; HB 2032 later passed 26-0. A Diaz amendment to HB 2033 would have limited written statewide assessments to grades 3-8, but after debate over testing uniformity and local control it failed 15-10, and HB 2033 passed without it. HB 293, relating to mental health instruction requirements, drew extended floor debate, with senators arguing it was important for student well-being and social-emotional learning; the bill passed 16-10. HB 4033, relating to education bond elections, also passed.
On the finance and regulatory calendar, HB 2812 on accumulated sick leave payments was amended and recommended do pass in committee, but later failed final passage on the floor 15-11 after concerns were raised about a provision affecting Attorney General representation. HB 2016 and HB 2140 were amended and recommended do pass in Committee of the Whole, HB 2308 and HB 2439 also received do-pass recommendations, and HB 2320 was retained on the calendar. HB 2873, a competitive bidding bill, became the subject of extensive debate over an emergency clause and a strike-everything amendment tied by opponents to a Marana data-center referendum; supporters argued it restored the ability to withdraw referendum petitions. The amended bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, heard the University of Arizona proclamation, and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 2026.
MN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:04:47.440>
they capital project levy referendum, they capital project levy referendum - Kids you still passed your referendum.
- <00:30:48.920>
in voted in favor of the referendum in voted in favor of the referendum in - talking to me about this referendum. talking to me about this referendum.
- it specific to Hibbing, this referendum it specific to Hibbing, this referendum didn't<00:31:32.240
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- A referendum is needed in all counties for a seven-member board of county commissioners, which is why
- And a referendum is also needed in all counties. was established as a provisional government, and the
- A referendum is needed in all counties for a seven-member board of county commissioners, which is why
- And a referendum is also needed in all counties. Member, two at-large.
- Again, recalling that a referendum is required, either by way of charter amendment or a direct referendum
Summary:
The subcommittee met to discuss Florida county commission districting options, with an overview from Ginger Delagall of the Florida Association of Counties. She explained the constitutional, statutory, local charter, and federal Voting Rights Act framework governing county commissions, including the default five-member at-large model for non-charter counties, the option for seven-member mixed boards with a referendum, and the broader flexibility available to charter counties, which can choose different board sizes, election methods, and term limits. She also described the current distribution of county structures across the state and noted a few counties in transition or litigation, including Orange, Lee, and Alachua.
County commissioners from Bay, Madison, Pinellas, Polk, and Bradford counties testified about how their current systems work in practice. Commissioners from Bay and Polk defended at-large systems as promoting countywide accountability, broader perspective, and collaboration, especially in large or diverse counties. Commissioners from Madison and Bradford supported single-member districts as improving local access, clarity, and responsiveness, particularly in smaller rural counties. Pinellas Commissioner Dave Eggers described a mixed system in a large charter county and said it balances district-level responsiveness with countywide accountability. Several members asked about Orange County’s mayor-chair structure, the effects of single-member versus at-large representation, and whether counties had considered changing their systems.
In questions and discussion, members raised concerns about accountability, representation, gerrymandering, countywide versus district-specific interests, and whether certain structures better serve rural or urban counties. Delagall said the association had not done cost or equity studies comparing systems. The panel repeatedly emphasized home rule and local choice, with commissioners and Delagall urging the Legislature to let counties and their voters decide their own form of government. No votes were taken on any bill or proposal, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and discussion.
MN
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
GVO DEFER, GVO-WTL, GVO-AEN Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- The chief election officer must publish notice of each referendum question at least 30 days prior to
- the advisory referendum, and then results of the advisory referendum, and the legislature must consider
- The chief election officer must publish notice of each referendum question at least 30 days prior to
- the advisory referendum, and then results of the advisory referendum, and the legislature must consider
- the advisory referendum, and then results of the advisory referendum, and the legislature must consider
Summary:
The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused.
In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands.
Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This will be a referendum relating to Hillsborough County schools.
- Just keep in mind, this is a referendum.
- Another Representative Owen: referendum.
- The referendum language is on Page 14 and is very clear and unambiguous. That is the bill.
- They didn't provide any type of referendum.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- A referendum would be required. I'm happy to answer any questions on the local and private.
- <00:01:46.080>
I'm and a referendum would be required. - I'm and a referendum would be required.
- It's a 2% tax to be imposed on food and drink, and there is a referendum.
- and there is a referendum. and there is a referendum.
Summary:
The committee heard several local and private bills involving tourism and local tax referenda. Senator Butler explained a Mayfield proposal to establish a 3% tourist tax on hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, with local voters to decide the issue by referendum. Senator Blunt presented a Jackson measure for Visit Jackson that would raise the hotel tax by 1% and the restaurant tax by 0.5%, also subject to referendum. Both bills drew no questions and were advanced on motions that the titles were sufficient and the bills do pass.
Senator Chassaniol explained a Vaiden bill involving St. Clements church, which has been deconsecrated and is intended to become a town or community center. The bill would help raise funds for renovations needed to complete that project. The committee again asked no questions and voted title sufficient, do pass. Senator Williams’s bill for Ackerman was described as a 2% tax on food and drink with a referendum requirement; it also moved forward without objection.
At the end of the meeting, the chair noted there would be three nominations to consider and additional local and private bills coming over from the House, likely requiring another meeting the following week. The committee then voted to rise and report, and the motion carried.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So if they could do it the referendum.
- with a referendum? And the answer is no. with a referendum? And the answer is no.
- We do have the issue on the referendum.
- So, there will be separate referendum questions for each one of these five projects.
- additional referendum in order to<01:29:58.719>
extend <01:29:59.120>it.