Transcript Highlights:

• would provide for an online candidate would provide for an online candidate filing<00:14:52.800>
• Um 2020 there was a Hawaii candidate.
• Um, you can go to that to see who your candidates are and read up on your candidates before you vote.
• are um and read up on your candidates are um and read up on your candidates<00:42:01.440> before<
• candidates before you vote. candidates before you vote.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their advertisements are currently reviewing candidates and 2 more positions have open advertisements
• This year, the department has made filling vacancies were qualified candidates a priority.
• So we have a candidate in the seat filling that important function for a state, cyber security and for
• We've got a candidate we're waiting on the start date.
• Can Inc candidate declined the positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 287 provides qualifications in order to run for office, specifically requiring candidates
• A large group will become candidates, and also there are many potential candidates who have earned criminal
• to run the 40 potential candidates to run for sheriff in the county.
• That gives you a pool of less than 40 candidates.
• Well, people won't have... 40 candidates, and they still make the choice on one out of the 40.

Bills: SB287

Keywords: Sheriff, Barbour County, law enforcement, qualifications, training, executive education, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advertisement has to use AI-generated image, audio, or video, and it has to be made on behalf of a candidate
• advertisement has to use AI-generated image, audio, or video, and it has to be made on behalf of a candidate
• And enforcement authority is by the attorney general, the candidate who is injured or likely to be injured
• So it preserves free speech and also protects voters from deception and protects candidates from deception
• <00:02:25.760> And those candidates from deception. And those candidates from deception.

Keywords: Technology - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 11:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee heard a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in qualified political advertisements. The sponsor explained that the measure applies only when an ad uses AI-generated image, audio, or video and is made on behalf of a candidate, committee, or other person in connection with an election or ballot issue. The bill would require clear disclosures: visible disclaimers for text or graphic ads, spoken disclaimers for audio ads, and both visual and spoken disclaimers for video ads. It was emphasized that the bill does not ban AI use in campaigns, does not regulate captions or written posts, does not apply to private social media activity, satire or parody, or news coverage/documentaries, and does not create criminal penalties. The sponsor also said liability would attach only to the person or committee that created the AI-generated ad, not to broadcasters or cable/satellite providers that air it. Penalties were described as up to $250 for a first violation by an individual, up to $1,000 for subsequent violations, and $1,000 per violation for committees. Enforcement would be available to the attorney general and to an injured or likely injured candidate, with venue in Hinds County or the county where the violation occurred or where voters were targeted. The sponsor said the attorney general’s office had been sent the bill and was monitoring it. During discussion, a senator praised the sponsor’s work and said the issue was already arising in practice. The sponsor then noted that, because the bill would have to return to the elections committee, an amendment would be added to adopt the universal definition of artificial intelligence and remove the current language for consistency. A motion to “sub pass” was made, and the committee proceeded to a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and remind that all legislators must attend the mandatory ethics training tomorrow, which
• we have that announcement for all of our members to please be present and on time for tomorrow's ethics
• > mandatory legislators uh must attend the mandatory legislators uh must attend the mandatory ethics
• training tomorrow, which will ethics training tomorrow, which will take<00:29:43.600> place<00
• on time for tomorrow's ethics training. on time for tomorrow's ethics training.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with an invocation and pledge, then administered the oath of office to Senator-elect Gary Clemens of Jefferson 37. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 1, establishing the 2026 Senate membership, and declared a quorum present with 36 members. The absent senators were excused, and the journal from March 28, 2025 was approved. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 2, which set the rules of procedure for the 2026 session. The rule changes included moving certain resolutions and announcements, removing the 12-member limit on standing committees, shifting administrative regulation jurisdiction, eliminating hard-copy posting and bill-printing requirements in favor of electronic versions, allowing same-day action on conference reports, striking COVID-era remote voting language, tightening floor privilege and lobbying access rules for the temporary chambers, and repealing vote-pairing language. Democratic leadership also reported a change in majority whip, naming the senator from Jefferson 19 after the former whip resigned. The clerk reported a large number of newly filed measures, including memorial resolutions, policy resolutions, and bills on topics such as safe room rebates, trauma center coverage, planning commission membership, paid maternity leave for state employees, veterans benefits, wages, CASA, podiatry, mushrooms, motor vehicle operation, schools, city government, music therapy, dual credit scholarships, geoengineering, educational discrimination, cremation, solid waste, motor vehicle commission, economic infrastructure, recovery residences, property transfer at death, oaths, and an Article V convention term-limits resolution. Senate Resolution 3, inviting Frankfurt-area pastors to open sessions with prayer, was adopted. Members also announced an ethics training for the next day and a reception for Senator Clemens. The Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting date announced by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition of a candidate is referenced on the last page of The definition of a candidate is referenced
• So that would be a candidate, not just a sitting legislator.
• He noted that the candidate filing deadline had been two weeks earlier, and there had been multiple candidates
• So they would be indicating that on their candidate paperwork.
• You know, it's tough enough to get candidates now.

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Opportunity to elect their preferred candidate when compared to the current CD 29.
• The population should be able to elect their candidate of choice for Congress.
• I hope that everybody has the opportunity to elect their candidate of choice.
• Nine would be able to regularly elect their candidate of choice. So, let every matter matter.
• Hispanic voters can elect their preferred candidate to Congress in this newly drawn CD35?

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB4, HB1, HB3, HB20, HB22, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4, SB2, SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• of speeches and the color of light on the voting machine for each candidate.
• To be elected Speaker, a candidate must receive 76 or more of the votes cast.
• Of the three candidates, Ana Maria Rodriguez-Ramos is the only candidate for Speaker who has consistently
• What should we be looking for in a candidate to lead this House?
• I have always advocated relentlessly for the causes and candidates that I believe in.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Director of the State Ethics Commission.
• Each year, the State Ethics Commission, composed of three Democrats, three Republicans, and one declined-to-state
• member, sets legislative priorities to strengthen New Mexico's ethics laws.
• For these reasons, the State Ethics Commission respectfully urges the committee to pass. All right.
• One of my favorite classes I've taken so far is ethics and government.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Ethics and Elections will now come to order.
• Good to be back in Ethics and Elections. This bill seeks to...
• Good to be back in Ethics and Elections.
• Good to be back in ethics and elections. This bill seeks to align two significant issues.
• We have now the first of many appointments that will come before the Ethics and Elections Committee.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we're assuming one qualified candidate per office.
• <00:14:26.279> per assuming um one qualified candidate per assuming um one qualified candidate
• But there's part of the pot that the candidate or the non-candidate committee—I can't remember where
• The pot that the candidate or the non-candidate committee—I can't remember where that applies to—would
• election period uh to a candidate election period uh to a candidate candidate<01:22:09.880> committee

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I will be I I will be moving forward today for ethics and elections to continue the conversation and
• And by your vote senators, we will report favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
• These nominees, you know, is that report it to the ethics and nominees, you know, is that report it to
• the ethics and election Committee and then they still take this appointment up or that person stops
• I truly believe before the Ethics and Elections Committee.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• That is an incredibly higher burden that we have to ethically do.
• And once again, ethically, I have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
• And to be an ethical lawyer, to be a thorough lawyer, we have to do those things. Mr.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements. State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , staff, fundraise alongside candidates, staff, fundraise alongside candidates, and<00:09:58.120>
• > and<00:34:37.120> elected ensure that candidates and elected ensure that candidates and
• Candidate, candidate, for, for, for, you know, issues.
• <00:48:39.040> and It's either super PAC or candidate and It's either super PAC or candidate
• just pictured I've seen some candidates just pictured I've seen some candidates who who who print

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this requires officials that receive candidate filings to notify the officials that prepare the ballots
• accept Senate section 49, and this changes the timelines for requesting the counting of write-in candidates
• And this requires officials that receive candidate filings to notify the officials that prepare the ballots
• <00:09:06.720> filings officials that receive candidate filings officials that receive candidate
• um the counting of writein candidates. um the counting of writein candidates.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The State and Local Government and Elections Conference Committee met on May 13, 2025, to adopt agreed-upon provisions from the elections article. The chair noted they initially lacked a quorum on both sides, but later confirmed quorum was present. Members and staff walked through a grid of proposed sections, covering voter registration and student proof-of-residence rules, public voter information list deadlines, electronic rosters for combined polling places, absentee ballot procedures, candidate filing and ballot preparation notices, write-in candidate timelines, municipal boundary adjustments, emergency polling place signage, county election training, special election filing periods for legislative vacancies, school district election timing, voting system testing, town elections, hospital board elections, and repeal of the voting equipment grant account. Several items were described as technical or clarifying changes, including wording fixes, consistency edits, and updated effective dates, with many provisions set to take effect January 1, 2026. One item, line 15, involving a cannabis-related provision, was set aside because an amendment had not been posted and printed in time; members agreed to take it up later. The committee also discussed a mix of House-only and Senate-only provisions, including third-party presidential electors, phonetic spelling on affidavits of candidacy, notification of ballot preparers when candidate names change, emergency polling place procedures, training requirements, and rules for temporary polling places on tribal land. After the staff walkthrough and brief questions, Vice Chair Aldenorf moved to adopt the provisions in the document titled “Elections Provisions Proposed Sections for Adoptions, May 13, 2025,” excluding line 15, and include them in the conference committee report. The motion passed on a voice vote with no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned, with members noting that work on remaining elections provisions could continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• candidates for United States senators, and other statewide offices.
• You were the candidate of choice for that district.
• . ...candidate of choice of minority communities.
• I vote for the best candidate.
• If a candidate needs the lines redrawn to win your seat, do better as a candidate.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or whether they automatically move to the Ethics and Elections, I don't know.
• Joel Rudman as it moves forward to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Next, let's take up Mr.
• today for Ethics and Elections to continue the conversation and frankly for the piece of legislation
• By your vote, Senators, we will report favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
• And that will have an impact, I truly believe, before the Ethics and Elections Committee.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cs for SB 280, on candidate next room take
• Cs for SB 280, on candidate qualification by
• for a nomination as a candidate for partisan
• Most of the time of qualifying candidate for
• Notarized started to remove a candidate based