Video & Transcript Research : 'election amendment'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - Senate Federalism
Transcript Highlights:
- on the amendment. ...be adopted.
- money coming in to influence our elections.
- to affirm the authority of states to govern their election process. ...is Congress to amend the Constitution
- Ponder was talking about my election, because if I remember correctly, my first election was roughly
- $50,000 to the House of Representatives, and now that election is a $300,000 election.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and a memorial focused on foreign law, land ownership, presidential electors, and campaign finance/federalism. SB 1018 would amend Arizona’s foreign-law statute to explicitly include Sharia law; the sponsor and supporters said it was needed to prevent foreign legal systems from influencing Arizona courts, while opponents from the ACLU and others argued it singled out Islam, was unnecessary because foreign law is already prohibited, and would be unconstitutional. After debate, the committee recommended SB 1018 do pass by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1075, which restricts conveyance of Arizona land to foreign entities deemed hostile to the United States and adds disclosure, penalty, and enforcement provisions through a five-page amendment. The sponsor said it was modeled on other states’ efforts to keep adversarial nations from acquiring land near sensitive sites; the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill as amended do pass by a 3-3 vote. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors, would require electors to vote for a properly nominated successor if a winning presidential or vice presidential candidate dies or withdraws before the Electoral College meets, and would deem an elector’s office vacant if the elector fails to vote. Supporters said it closes a gap in Arizona law and improves election continuity; it received a unanimous do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard SCM 1003, a memorial urging Congress to support federalism and a constitutional amendment affirming state authority over election processes and campaign finance. Supporters argued that money in politics and out-of-state or international influence have grown too large and that states should regain more control; some members noted concerns about the rhetoric around ActBlue and other groups but still supported the memorial’s general purpose. SCM 1003 received a unanimous do pass recommendation.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- initiative constitutional amendments. ...which include initiative constitutional amendment elections
- This amendment, again, actually would potentially reduce costs for the supervisor of elections by...
- This amendment, again, actually would potentially reduce costs for the supervisor of elections by streamlining
- I know that you filed this amendment, especially after what you saw during that last election cycle.
- Representative Eskamani, question: If your amendment was already in effect during this last election
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes.
Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Governor's amendment makes it clear that although the findings of the State Board of Elections are
- The Governor's amendment, as recommended by the Department of Elections, adds clarifying language to
- The Governor's amendment, as recommended by the Department of Elections, adds clarifying language to
- of election, ranked choice voting, locally elected offices.
- Speaker, I would like to move that we sever Amendments 1 through 6, Amendment 8, and Amendment 11, and
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-EIG Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- access on election day.
- access on election day.
- . election. election.
- it's correct an election. it's correct an election.
- If not, Senator Gabbard— elections. Uh so recommendation is to elections.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- pass as amended; HB 2494 do pass as amended; HB 2795 do pass; and HB 4009 do pass as amended.
- be amended to include the Marquez floor amendment.
- be amended to include the Marquez floor amendment.
- amended.
- pass as amended, and HB 4030 do pass as amended.
Summary:
The House met with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Members also recognized Doctor of the Day Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum and welcomed visitors for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, along with Judge Kaluli from Veterans Treatment Court. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first readings before taking up a long third-reading calendar.
The floor debate centered on a wide range of bills, especially water, education, elections, public utilities, labor, and criminal justice measures. Members discussed tax administration, groundwater and water-rights issues, superintendent contract transparency, mining reclamation, school employee disclosure, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, probation, veterans and military employment protections, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, real estate licensing, and several education-related appropriations for ESA administration. There were also resolutions and memorials on voting centers and precincts, student athletics, Route 66, and recognizing Judea and Samaria. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing transparency, consumer protection, public safety, and administrative cleanup, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, cost, overreach, lack of accountability, and impacts on schools, elections, and local control.
Most measures passed, often along party-line or near party-line votes, and several emergency measures were adopted with the required two-thirds vote. Notable votes included HB 2016, HB 2026, HB 2028, HB 2049, HB 2075, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2094, HB 2098, HB 2111, HB 2113, HB 2114, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2179, HB 2192, HB 2228, HB 2256, HB 2260, HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2278, HB 2328, HB 2351, HB 2381, HB 2409, HB 2410, HB 2411, HB 2425, HB 2451, HB 2476, HB 2499, HB 2500, HB 2584, HB 2662, HB 2663, HB 2666, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2804, HB 2812, HB 2827, HB 2877, HB 2908, HB 2932, HB 2933, HB 2943, HB 2953, HB 2966, and HB 2985, along with HCM 2007 and HCRs 2003, 2016, and 2047 and HR 2002 and 2003. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of HB 2174 and related amendments.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Show the amendment to the amendment adopted. Please read the next amendment to the amendment.
- Please read the next amendment to the amendment. No further amendments to the amendment, Mr.
- Please read the amendment to the amendment to the amendment.
- Additionally, this amendment permits a certified bargaining agent to intervene in an election without
- This amendment clarifies the procedures that PERC and the teachers unions will agree to before any election
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law.
The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option.
The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- report on uh amendment 2026-1065s. report on uh amendment 2026-1065s.
- . on my amendment.
- I move the amendment. We have a motion on the amendment. I will second it.
- >> I move the amendment. >> I move the amendment.
- <00:33:55.120>
amendment Um, all in favor of amending amendment Um, all in favor of amending
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- as amended and on any further amendment as amended and on any further amendment there<02:16:12.560
- amendments. Zero bipartisan amendments. amendments. Zero bipartisan amendments.
- Last Congress, Republicans introduced 26 bills or amendments to change local D.C. election laws, including
- . elections. elections.
- So, I don't want to hear about our elections. Local D.C. elections are not my elections.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is adopted.
- Now back on the bill as amended. Any questions on the bill as amended?
- The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended. Any questions on the bill as amended?
- Now in debate on the bill as amended. Any debate on the bill as amended?
- Chair: By direction, the amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 03:29 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The strike-and-insert amendment changes the party registration deadline for general election candidates
- The clerk has an amendment to the amendment.
- The amendment in the strike-and-insert amendment in the amendment...
- Are there any further amendments to the amendment? No, sir.
- I declare the amendment adopted. The amendment is adopted. Is there further amendment to the bill?
Summary:
The Senate took up a long second- and third-reading calendar of House bills and one joint resolution, with most measures advanced after committee strike-and-insert amendments or technical changes. Major topics included economic development and infrastructure, education and school choice, public safety and criminal justice, election law, tax and revenue matters, health and human services, and several supplemental appropriations. Several bills were advanced to third reading without amendment, including measures on Ireland education, youth/handicapped hunting, child care, tax efficiency, school transfer eligibility repeal, religious organizations, teacher and state police pay raises, Medicare supplement guaranteed issue rights, and various supplemental appropriations.
Among the more substantive amendments, the Senate approved changes to industrial access road funding, airport hangar financing, driver’s license reciprocity with Ireland and Japan, foster youth virtual instruction, medical cannabis fund allocations, EMS funding, virtual currency kiosk regulation, workers’ compensation updates, and protection of personal residential information for certain public officials. The chamber also adopted amendments on election-related bills, including changing party-switching deadlines for candidates, and on a bill creating a new offense and bail rules for terroristic threats to schools or children. The Senate also advanced bills on missing persons/cold case record preservation, campus safety mapping, pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition in abuse and neglect cases, hotel occupancy tax recordkeeping, and domestic violence penalties.
Several measures received floor debate. The party-switching bill drew the most discussion, with supporters arguing it would prevent election gamesmanship and opponents saying it would protect incumbents and limit access for new candidates; a division vote adopted an amendment, and the bill was then advanced. The work-zone fines bill was amended on third reading to apply higher penalties only when workers are present, then passed 34-0. The Foster Youth Post Secondary Transition Awareness Act also passed after an amendment adding agricultural vocational program provisions. The Senate adopted a title amendment on the passed bills and then recessed for 15 minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of local elected officials to elect their local leaders and then write these propositions.
- So special elections, primary elections are the other two examples.
- The League of Women Voters supports election systems for elected offices in single-seat elections that
- versus a general election.
- But I also got elected in a special election runoff where the turnout.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 39 (3-4-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , amendment one, the title amendment, amendment one, the title amendment, Representative<00:06:49.600
- , election, but after being elected, election, but after being elected, friend<00:43:40.240>
of - To Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs: House Bill 753.
- ,<01:07:36.559>
constitutional <01:07:37.200>amendments to elections, constitutional - amendments to elections, constitutional amendments and<01:07:37.760>
intergovernmental <01:07:
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The clerk reported Senate Bills 156, 173, and 193 had passed the Senate and requested concurrence. Committee reports were then read, advancing a number of bills on banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing/occupations, and primary/secondary education, including measures on insurance, fraudulent practices, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, legal representation, costs and fees, barbering, fire protection, licensing background checks, dentistry, school reporting, teacher certification, and educator placement. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar.
The chamber then took up House Bill 307, the “My Kentucky Future Act,” on proactive post-secondary admission. Sponsors explained that the bill would send opt-in letters from public universities to eligible high school juniors, include a common application for the state’s public institutions, and share data with KY Stats to track outcomes. Members asked about scholarships, the target student group, and privacy; the sponsor clarified that participation is voluntary, the letters do not guarantee admission, and the program is meant to streamline college access. House Committee Substitute 2 and House Floor Amendment 2 were adopted, and HB 307 passed 97-0.
House Bill 418 on domestic violence was then considered. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes the non-offending parent, requires abusive parents to address violent behavior before unsupervised visitation, and gives courts more tools to consider false abuse allegations and victim advocates’ testimony. House Committee Substitute 1 was adopted, and after brief discussion the bill passed 96-1. House Bill 593 on data centers followed; its sponsor said the measure is intended to support data center development while protecting ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure risk, requiring companies to bring their own generation, buy power on the open market, or prepay certain costs. After adopting House Committee Substitute 1, the bill passed 90-8.
The House also passed House Bill 5 on prison educational programs, with a committee substitute and a floor amendment adding data collection on post-release employment; it passed 99-0. Finally, House Bill 584 on licenses for prescribing or dispensing controlled substances was debated. The sponsor said the bill removes a permanent ban so a physician who has regained licensure may apply for DEA registration, while opponents raised concerns about repeated misconduct and the ability to practice without DEA authority. The transcript cuts off before final disposition on HB 584.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please, delegates-elect and the resident commissioner-elect are not qualified to vote.
- The Speaker is elected by a majority of the members-elect voting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Applause it's okay there are no election Applause it's okay there are no election deniers<02:16:
- <02:17:07.679>
or <02:17:07.960>any <02:17:08.200>one election or any one election - The amendment is not agreed to.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (10/23/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:20.240>
I'm and the way it would be amended. I'm and the way it would be amended. - So the committee amendment is 5. >> All right. Now we're to the bill as amended.
- <00:30:36.559>
Chair, amendment? Chair, amendment? - Why don't you move the amendment? I will move Amendment 3041S. Second. Thank you.
- only, not city elections.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've taken up Amendment 220-472. Are there questions on the delete-all amendment?
- The motion is the amendment is adopted. Are there questions on the bill as amended?
- Sorry, I didn't see the amendment, and I appreciate the amendment.
- That is the amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended, are there questions on the bill as amended?
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several education-related measures. CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, sponsored by Senator Brodeur, was amended with a delete-all and rewritten to create a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, designate Florida Speech and Debate Week, authorize a teacher endorsement and FLVS institute, direct statewide coursework and credentials, and require annual district reporting. Supporters, including parents, the Florida Debate Initiative, and school representatives, praised the bill’s funding and statewide expansion of debate opportunities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard and reported favorably SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which aims to reduce administrative delays for initial certification and reinstatement while maintaining standards; an Orange County school administrator suggested adding language to allow educators to bank professional learning hours. SB 1646 on educational facilities was presented as revising the funding formula and priorities for school capital projects, with added attention to safety, maintenance, and planning, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 564 on student volunteers at polling locations was amended to clarify that pre-registered or registered high school students may volunteer at polling places and count the hours toward graduation or postsecondary financial aid; election officials and civic groups supported the bill, and it was reported favorably.
SB 1340 on coordinated screening and progress monitoring was also reported favorably. It requires school districts to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and dyscalculia, place identified students on support plans, and use evidence-based interventions, with the sponsor emphasizing early identification and intervention. The committee then recommended confirmation of Laila Collins to the State Board of Education, and the meeting concluded after a birthday recognition and adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to elect President Trump. to elect President Trump.
- <00:09:27.480>
and <00:09:27.600>elections-related to elections and elections-related - Senator Boldon has an A9 author's amendment and moves the A9 amendment.
- Boldon has an A9 author's amendment and moves the A9 amendment.
- elect locally to manage elections. elect locally to manage elections.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- faith in our very uh strong elections faith in our very uh strong elections here<00:03:45.200>
elected elected more than two terms. elected elected more than two terms. - amendment in Minnesota. amendment in Minnesota.
- Any amendments? amendments? amendments? All<00:09:46.959>
right. - and, uh, this is an author's amendment. and, uh, this is an author's amendment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amend. and Intergovernmental Affairs.(1-22-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And of state, and local elections.
- amendment to verify that last year. amendment to verify that last year.
- > laws<00:07:49.120>
need an election, and our election laws need an election, and our election - <00:08:29.599>
Elections nature. Next, accountability. Elections nature. - I think that that's a elections.
Summary:
The committee met, established a quorum, and opened with the pledge and prayer. Members then made several brief introductions of interns and guests from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The chair also reminded members about microphone use, cell phones, and the 24-hour rule for committee amendments and substitutes.
The sole substantive item was House Resolution 7, sponsored by Representative Hodgson, which set out guiding principles for Kentucky elections. Hodgson described principles including fair and secure elections, accessibility balanced with security, citizen-only voting, stability and uniformity in election procedures, prompt and accurate results, transparency, accountability, and preservation of state control over elections. Members generally supported the resolution; Representative Marzian asked whether Kentucky already follows these principles and raised the issue of low poll-worker pay, while Representative Hancock asked about protecting voter registration data and privacy. Hodgson responded that transparency applies to the process, not personal information, and that Kentucky protects ballot secrecy and voter data.
Representative Chester Burton also asked about election security, and Hodgson said Kentucky’s system relies on bipartisan poll workers and mutual oversight at polling places. Representative Marzian asked whether Social Security numbers are still required for voter registration, and members indicated they are, with a follow-up promised to the committee. The committee then voted 15-0 to pass the resolution with favorable expression. Before adjournment, Hodgson encouraged additional co-sponsors, and the chair noted the committee would likely meet again the following Thursday.
MN
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 13th, 2026 at 01:31 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- “Speak to the amendment. Speak to the amendment. To the amendment.
- I declare the amendment to the amendment adopted. Are there further amendments to the amendment?
- The clerk has an amendment to the amendment. The clerk has an amendment to the amendment.
- An amendment to the amendment.
- The amendment to the amendment is germane. To the amendment. To the amendment.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment.
The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies.
Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.