Video & Transcript Research : 'special elections'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: HB 2081 Jun 1st, 2025 at 11:06 am
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what frustrates me—that we in this building have for years treated special education and public
- There are severities, and this state needs to recognize that not everyone with special needs is exactly
Keywords:
special education, legislation, Texas, personalized education, families testimonies, education reform, committee meeting
Summary:
The committee meeting featured strong dialogues focused on improving educational provisions for special needs students in Texas. A key highlight was the discussion around legislation aimed at personalizing educational programs to cater to individual needs, which included testimonies from families who have benefited from similar initiatives. The overall sentiment was one of urgency to rectify past shortcomings in the education system and to foster an environment where every student is given the chance to thrive. Members also expressed frustration over delayed bills and a commitment to continue fighting for progress as the session approached its end.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is $1.5 billion in new special education funding.
- A very special thank you to my friends who have joined us from some of the best school districts across
- We have woefully funded special needs kids in Texas for years. House Bill 2 seeks to correct that.
- For example, we talked about the special education piece.
- And if any of you know or have children with special needs, you understand that the term "special needs
Keywords:
public education, HB2, teacher salaries, special education, emergent bilingual programs, Texas legislature
Summary:
The meeting primarily revolved around the discussion of HB2, which aims to increase funding for public education in Texas. Key points included enhancements to teacher salaries, special education funding, and initiatives to support emergent bilingual programs. Legislators highlighted the need for collaboration and leadership in addressing the challenges faced by public schools, noting the vital role that education plays in the state's future. Speaker Burroughs expressed confidence in achieving significant improvements for Texas students through this legislation, which has been deemed one of the most consequential bills of the session.
MN
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Codifying the Office of Special Education matters.
- So, and also I've made an error: it's not the Bureau of Special Education, it's the Office of Special
- Office of Special Education. Thank you.
- special education are met with excellence.
- Voting yes on the Special Education Act will provide all stakeholders with support of all special education
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- and they need the question to go to the public, then they have to do it as a special election.
- And the special election they have to pay for, and it has to be mail ballot only.
- Currently, we're limited to putting those on at the regular local election and also special elections
- So special elections cost quite a bit of money. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- The more things are consolidated, we save a whole lot of money on special elections.
Keywords:
school elections, partisan elections, voting rights, constitutional amendment, New Mexico, elector registration, pediatric palliative care, pediatric hospice, Medicaid, state plan amendment, Health Care Authority, children with serious illness, life-limiting conditions, complex medical conditions, curative care, concurrent care, family-centered care, hospice services, managed care, pain management
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Voters who do not receive and cannot return a runoff ballot in time in special elections can be disenfranchised
- For that election, we had to run a whole election.
- Of cost in the elections.
- But I also got elected in a special election runoff, where the turnout in the second round was equal
- After the 2020 election.
Keywords:
HB 817, Texas Election Code, majority vote, majority threshold, ranked-choice voting, preferential voting, instant runoff voting, vote reassignment, ballot ranking, election administration, public office election, Election Code Section 2.0215, runoff elections, plurality vs majority, voting systems, education reform, budget allocation, teacher retention, student performance, accountability measures
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Please call a special election today and let the people vote.
- So we are urging Governor Abbott to do his job, call the special election, to ensure that the...
- It can only be filled by special election set solely by you.
- In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.
- In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.
Keywords:
special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner
Summary:
State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress.
The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative.
A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It's in the section that pertains to the broader special management area.
- </c> projects in the special management area. projects in the special management area.
- </c> um that uh references the special um that uh references the special management<01:02:51.760><c>
- </c> recommending is related to the special recommending is related to the special management. management
- </c><01:25:08.560><c> fund</c> using the beach restoration special fund using the beach restoration special
Bills:
SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken.
The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed.
For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties.
Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're going to incur debt, you have to have an election.
- The bill will having an election would.
- </c><01:19:17.679><c> elected</c><01:19:18.080><c> councils</c> and the election elected councils and
- the election elected councils responded. responded. responded.
- While it programs on a future election.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill also changes the definition of participation in elections to a person who makes expenditures
- If a PAC fundraises or raises funds all year but doesn't decide to get involved in an election until
- a few days prior to the election, it should not be subject to reports until it has made its first expenditure
- And then it adds the second party primary as an election so it falls within the line of campaign finance
Bills:
HCR74, HCR95, HB705, HB1048, SCR23, SCR31, SCR38, SB49, SB233, SB307, SB326, SB387, SB401, SB435, SB495
Keywords:
trade commission, international relations, Louisiana, United Kingdom, economic exchange, cultural exchange, infrastructure investment, sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, contempt, legislature, disorderly conduct, bribery, arrest, legislative privilege
MN
Bills:
HF2433
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: TEA Audit Mar 19th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- is a lot we don't agree on, I'm sure, like perhaps mask mandates and maybe even who won the 2020 election—I
- contracts and reprioritize that money to what matters: teacher pay, school safety, and closing the special
- I've also told the story about how my son did not get evaluated for special education for over a year
- And our special education program in the state is the most underfunded in the whole school finance system
- ..concern of Texas parents, and taking care of our most vulnerable kids, our kids who qualify for special
Keywords:
education funding, House Bill 5419, zero-based budgeting, public testimony, school safety, special education
Summary:
State Representative Gina Hinojosa and a group of parents and education advocates testified in support of House Bill 5419, a zero-based budgeting proposal aimed at reviewing Texas Education Agency spending and redirecting more public education dollars to classrooms. Hinojosa argued that public schools are being weakened by chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, delayed special education services, and inadequate school safety funding, and said the bill would help cut bureaucracy, vendor contracts, and other non-classroom spending in favor of teacher pay, safety, and special education.
Several witnesses, including self-identified Republicans and former GOP officials, backed the bill as a good-government measure and said they were crossing party lines because public schools need more direct investment. They criticized TEA growth, vendor contracts, public-private partnerships, and what they described as unfunded mandates from the state, including school safety requirements. One witness said rural districts are being forced into four-day school weeks, while others cited campus closures, deferred maintenance, and local tax increases tied to state funding shortfalls and recapture payments.
The discussion also focused on the need for a systematic review of TEA spending and the lack of a sunset review for the agency since before 2005. Hinojosa and others said increasing the basic allotment would help districts, reduce recapture pressures, and prevent local tax hikes. The exchange was primarily a public hearing and advocacy session; no vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.
NM
Keywords:
SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- be doing SB 29, math requirements for teacher license, and then also SB 64, creating the Office of Special
- probably also going to take lots of discussion and other types of things, the sponsor has asked that the special
Keywords:
SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- authorizes local governments to enter into intergovernmental agreements to administer the program and into special
- assessment agreements with property owners to secure special assessment financing for qualified properties
- responsibilities of the local government, capital provider, and the property owner after the imposition of special
- improvements such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and other infrastructure upgrades through a special
Keywords:
utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Mar 24th, 2026
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, and welcome to the hearing for the Committee on Election Laws.
- I'm the Protect Elections Campaign Coordinator for Public Citizen, which is a nonpartisan nonprofit with
- As context, remember that in the weeks after the 2020 election, legislative leadership in at least three
- states were asked to overturn the results of their elections. ...in at least three states were asked
- to overturn the results of their elections.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 27, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 27, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- a special election.
- ><c> a</c><00:04:23.280><c> special</c><00:04:23.600><c> election.
- </c><00:04:24.320><c> You</c> you don't create a special election.
- You you don't create a special election.
- the governing body shall call a special election. election. election.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislators are joining us right now, so we're going to kick off with them to talk about special education
- funding related to closing the $1.7 billion special education funding gap that occurs every year. in
- There are those who look confused and say, "What special education?"
- We have to fully fund special education.
- But that's only increasing it for kids that aren't in special education being pulled out.
Keywords:
special education, funding gap, dyslexia, House Bill 2, Senate Bill 568, House Bill 3928, disability penalty
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on special education funding, with significant discussions around House Bill 2 (HB2), Senate Bill 568 (SB568), and House Bill 3928 (HB3928). Key speakers advocated for increased funding to close the estimated $1.7 billion annual gap that affects special education in Texas public schools. Several witnesses, including educators and students affected by dyslexia, provided personal testimonies about the impact of insufficient funding and the disability penalty, which penalizes schools financially for identifying students needing special education services. The committee demonstrated a strong commitment to advocate for changes that would improve special education resources and training for teachers, thereby ensuring that all Texas children receive the educational support they need to thrive.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- turnout, which, funny enough, was the highest student engagement seen in UTEP student government elections
- So what percentage of the student population showed up for the election? It sounds like about 10%.
- We're not going to specialize. I'm sorry, we're not; our focus is on primary care practitioners.
- So we have requested a special item of $25 million over the biennium, $12.5 million each year, of state
- So we have requested, it's a special item of $25 million over the biennium, $12.5 million each year,
Keywords:
special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending.
Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.