Video & Transcript Research : 'mechanical voting systems'

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NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (04/01/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll just voice vote in in the house.
  • get reforms to this system and failed. get reforms to this system and failed.
  • , training you had to become mechanic, training you had to become mechanic, right?
  • Um he was not the mechanic. Mo Cycles. Um he was not the mechanic.
  • and I I've heard from great mechanics and I I've heard from great mechanics from<02:25:23.520>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Mar 2nd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • So is it the same system?
  • I voted for it. I voted for it for years.
  • I just wanted to state mechanically when we vote for this.
  • If we all vote for the bill you told us not to vote for, don't worry.
  • I had a vote. I'm sorry. By your vote, CS for HB 5503 is reported favorably.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived. The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Importantly, this mechanism does not bypass regulatory oversight.
  • They already have an annual recovery mechanism.
  • I want to vote on it because it's a...
  • The other bills we're not ready to vote yet.
  • at a desk vote on the floor.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-13 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • system.
  • the vote in committee was 500. the vote in committee was 500.
  • , hospital systems, systems, systems, um uh<01:14:59.600> a<01:14:59.840> few<01:15:00.159
  • Those voting yes, 12. Those voting no, 18, and the amendment fails.
  • Those voting no, Those voting yes, 12.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 7th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, these bills were voted out at Monday's meeting.
  • We have a member who wants to change their vote. The chair moves to reconsider the vote.
  • The Secretary of State has a rigorous procedures to ensure non-citizens cannot vote or register to vote
  • , and non-citizen voting is virtually nonexistent.
  • Not eligible to vote, and it's oriented differently.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-19 - 11:55AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I will be<00:12:52.000> voting<00:12:52.360> yes. be voting yes. be voting yes.
  • Got it. >> Those voting yes, 17. Those voting no, 13.
  • <00:55:08.240> on voted on, there is no further vote on voted on, there is no further vote
  • Those voting yes, 26. Those voting no, 4.
  • Those voting yes, 17. Those voting no, 13.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Dec 2nd, 2025

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, CS for SB 290 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, CS for SB 290 is reported favorably.
  • Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take one vote for all these
  • Unless a senator requests a separate vote on an individual appointee, we will take one vote for all these
  • I think everybody voted, right?
Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture received a presentation from Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan on the agency’s wildfire response, forest management, and emergency support roles. He described the service’s four regions and 14 districts, its year-round wildfire response, use of bulldozers, helicopters, and drones, and the current high fire danger due to drought conditions. Dolan also highlighted prescribed burning, fuels mitigation, state forest management, the pine seedling nursery, and the agency’s role in hurricane response and incident management. Members asked about equipment loans and whether more prescribed burning could reduce wildfire impacts; Dolan said Florida already leads the nation in prescribed fire and emphasized public education and fuels reduction. The committee then considered and unanimously reported favorably Senate Bill 386, which creates a farm-equipment consumer protection process similar to a lemon law, allowing purchasers to seek repair or replacement of defective major farm equipment at no cost. The committee also took up Senate Bill 290, the Agriculture and Consumer Services omnibus bill. The bill would modernize fair association rules, preempt local bans on gas- and diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment, allow surplus of certain state-owned lands for bona fide agricultural use while excluding parks, forests, and wildlife lands, create a veterinary loan repayment program, make Farmers Feeding Florida permanent, expand Forest Service training opportunities, criminalize signal-jamming devices, increase penalties for CDL and English-proficiency exam cheating, restrict certain door-to-door solicitation, protect food safety inspectors, clarify biosolids rules, and add criminal and vendor-list penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors. The committee adopted three amendments to align dates and technical language and to authorize native seed research and marketing through the Florida Wildlife Foundation. Testimony on SB 290 included support from several industry groups, concerns from the Home Builders Association about the new contractor-payment criminal penalties, and opposition from a citizen worried about the new surplus-land process for conservation lands. Despite concerns, CS/SB 290 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees listed on tabs 4 and 5, and then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 8th, 2025

Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure these appraisals are supplied.
  • Members, we will vote on pending and committee business.
  • Members, we will vote on pending and committee business.
  • But what wasn't voted on during that period was any type of moratorium.
  • And it was a comprehensive vote across the board to move And it was a comprehensive vote across the board
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • the electronic procurement system the electronic procurement system requirements<00:02:29.959>
  • for before they vote, right?
  • in favor of this, you need to vote in favor of that, please vote for this?
  • in favor of this, you need to vote in favor of that, please vote for this?
  • Any member voting with reservations? Hearing none, the three members present vote aye.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 110, HD1, which would clarify local food purchase goals for the Department of Education. DOE said it supports the measure and will work toward the 30% local food mandate by 2030. The Department of Agriculture also supported the bill, and outside advocates from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network strongly backed it as consistent with prior farm-to-school laws and helpful for measuring progress toward the goal. The committee then took up House Bill 293, which would exempt certain DOE purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products from electronic procurement rules and allow written-quote purchasing thresholds, including a lower quote requirement for some rural schools. DOE, the Department of Agriculture, the State Procurement Office, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported the measure, describing it as a tool to help the department test and add local products and meet the 30% goal. However, members pressed DOE on the bill’s purpose and mechanics, questioning why the department could not simply add products to vendor lists or use existing procurement flexibility. DOE explained it was trying to test new local products, including products not yet on the USDA-approved list, and said the bill would allow limited pilot purchases while it works through USDA approval and vendor-list updates. Members also raised concerns about whether the bill was being used to bypass procurement and whether small farmers or aggregators could realistically supply the needed volume. House Bill 1069, which would add two voting members representing DOE and the Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority, also drew support from DOE and the Board of Education. Supporters said the change would improve accountability, strategic input, and communication on school facilities matters. SFA testified that it has already increased coordination with DOE through regular meetings and that recent discussions have been more robust. Committee members questioned whether voting seats were necessary given that DOE and BOE could already attend meetings and receive updates, and they raised concerns about how a voting representative would report back and whether the measure would actually solve communication problems. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Transportation (02/11/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:51:02.400> to online we had 37 people who voted to online we had 37 people who voted to
  • It has to do with voting, actually.
  • There are very honest mechanics out there, and then there’s less honest mechanics.
  • <03:32:45.239> can mechanics are and other mechanics can mechanics are and other mechanics
  • It's what the mechanic says.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/11/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • fair collection systems, and much more. fair collection systems, and much more.
  • The clerk will take the vote. Chair votes aye. Co-Chair Koegel, no. Co-Chair Kosnick, no.
  • members, I would urge a no vote today. members, I would urge a no vote today.
  • I'm a systems person.
  • <02:46:12.000> I one that I'm proud to vote for. I one that I'm proud to vote for.
Bills: HF2438
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • If not, Vice Chair Lamos for the vote. Chair votes aye. Members, we're voting on SB 2567.
  • Chair votes aye. Vice Chair also votes aye. Senator Ihara also votes aye.
  • Chair votes I. Vice Chair also votes I. Senator Ihara votes I. Senator Moriwaki votes I.
  • If not, Vice Chair Lamas for the vote. Chair votes aye. Members, we're voting on SB 3046.
  • If not, Vice Chair Lamas for the vote. Chair votes aye. Members, we're voting on SB 2231.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first took up SB 2567, a Judiciary package measure concerning temporary restraining orders for threats and harassment tied to a public employee’s official actions. Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office and the Judiciary said they had worked out a compromise to address earlier concerns, including a two-year pilot project, broader coverage for state officers and employees across all branches and counties, a special fund to pay for private counsel in some cases, and authority for Judiciary staff attorneys or Judiciary funds to represent Judiciary personnel. Members asked about coverage for retired judges, funding limits, and whether the measure could be used for workplace disputes; the witnesses said retired judges and per diem judges could be covered if the harassment related to their work, the fund would be limited and subject to available appropriations, and petitions would not be allowed between employees in the same branch. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The committee then heard SB 2448, which creates a civil remedy for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act. The bill’s proponent from the Uniform Law Commission explained that a plaintiff would need to show intentional disclosure or threat of disclosure of a private intimate image without consent, and said the privacy question would be fact-specific. Supporters, including the Commission on the Status of Women and Imua Alliance, favored giving survivors civil recourse. Opponents from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and others warned that the term "private" could invite victim-blaming and broad discovery into a survivor’s past, while still acknowledging the need for some privacy limitation to avoid overbreadth, especially for people who intentionally distribute intimate content online. Committee members questioned whether the definition of "private" should be tightened. The bill’s proponent said the term should remain because it aligns with the related criminal statute and helps keep the measure focused on classic revenge-porn situations, while still allowing Hawaii-specific changes if needed. The committee did not take final action on SB 2448 in the portion provided, but testimony and discussion centered on balancing survivor protections with concerns about discovery and the scope of liability.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • House and the floor vote in the House.
  • Texas system.
  • When you vote on this... When you vote on this bill, remember that it isn't about politics.
  • This bill does not have the necessary mechanisms.
  • The law enforcement mechanisms... The law enforcement mechanisms are traumatizing.
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Municipal and County Government (01/13/2025)

Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
  • They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
  • They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
  • They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
  • <01:45:28.960> to mechanism they have a mechanism to mechanism they have a mechanism to appoint
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session May 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I will be voting no on this bill.
  • . ...to the unemployment insurance mainframe computer system and the online unemployment benefit system
  • The first mechanism is by protesting excessive market value.
  • The other mechanism is protest based on unequal appraisal, which is directly based on the The other mechanism
  • This makes sure that systems that have only one security officer have the same voting power as systems
Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any no<00:34:05.600> votes? no votes? no votes?
  • vote on SB2612. vote on SB2612.
  • So, I am asking for a no vote, and we'll be voting no today.
  • And I ask for an I vote. vote. vote. >> Senator<02:31:50.560> Weissman.
  • Are there any no votes? There is one no vote: Senator Lon.
Keywords: 981, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, CS for SB 600 is reported favorably.
  • And by your vote, CS for SB 600 is reported favorably.
  • And by your vote, CS for SB 682 is reported favorably.
  • We've very, We voted on it together last year.
  • We voted on it together last year.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I vote to close. Mr.
  • Members thank you for your vote. votes, Jocelyn's family thanks you, and in memory of Jocelyn, I move
  • Court case management systems be part of the public safety report system. Yes. At no cost to them.
  • votes.
  • It's their whole accounting system.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Policy Committee 2/12/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • who rely on our public education system who rely on our public education system to<00:54:03.680>
  • continue to worsen I urge you to vote continue to worsen I urge you to vote against<00:58:21.440
  • Lee Jordan votes no. Bierman votes no. Dippel votes no. Falconer votes no. Fogelman votes yes.
  • Gordon votes no. Greene votes no. Hill votes no. Keeler votes no.
  • Gordon green green votes Gordon green green votes no<01:43:44.480> hill<01:43:45.199>
Keywords: 1183, house
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Webb chair McDaniel hi me nine I votes Webb chair McDaniel hi me nine I votes no<00:02:09.440>
  • > passes<00:02:10.560> with no nay votes the measure passes with no nay votes the measure
  • Senator Boswell, like to vote and explain my vote.
  • I vote and explain my vote. Yes, ma'am. Three minutes, thank you. Chair, I'll be brief.
  • > vote<00:30:40.880> the<00:30:41.000> measure one no vote one pass vote the measure
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 545, a routine claims bill. Representative Tim Truett explained it as a measure to pay debts the Commonwealth owes. The bill received a motion, a second, and a roll call vote, and passed with favorable expression and no nay votes. Members then considered House Joint Resolution 54, which related to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s expansion plan. The chair explained that the resolution simply acknowledged receipt and approval of the plan so previously appropriated funds could be released. The resolution passed by roll call with no nay votes and was reported favorably to the floor. The main discussion centered on House Bill 694, concerning the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System medical insurance fund and the 2010 “shared responsibility” agreement. The bill would redirect employer contributions from local districts from the health side to the pension side once the plan reaches 100% funded. The chair and Senator Givens argued the bill was a continuation of the state’s long-term commitment to TRS and taxpayer responsibility, while Senator Neal raised concerns about fairness, the timing of the change, and whether the original agreement and statutory trigger for TRS board recommendations had been honored. Testimony from KEA President Eddie Campbell and former Jefferson County Teachers Association president Brent McMahan supported the 2010 agreement but urged the committee to pause the bill, saying the parties should return to the table and that the current proposal could conflict with the original understanding, create actuarial and legal issues, and potentially affect school district finances and bond ratings. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 8-1 to pass House Bill 694 with favorable expression, with Senator Neal voting no and explaining his objection as a process and good-faith concern.