Video & Transcript Research : 'election transparency'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And so this would be at the officer's election to change venue.
- , and this keeps us as elected officials accountable to our voters.
- And so I... ...just believe that it should be transparent.
- We believe this is a great step toward promoting transparency.
- You have to be transparent. You have to be Lisa Moffitt: Honest.
Bills:
HB200
Keywords:
HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Election Officer until the Elections Election Officer until the Elections Commissioner<00:20:10.760
- a chief elections citizens to elect a chief elections officer.
- results and to provide for a election results and to provide for a transparent<00:25:53.000>
and< - . elections. elections.
- . elections. elections.
Bills:
SB2041
Keywords:
land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees.
The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments.
Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 54 May 7th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received a majority of those elected to the House, I declare the bill to have passed.
- It deals with transparency and accountability of state employee increases and salaries.
- Having received a majority of those elected to the House, I declare the bill to have passed.
- Having received a majority of those elected to the House, I declare the bill to have passed.
- A majority vote of those elected to the House, I declare the bill to have passed.
Bills:
SB1090, SJR49, SB633, HR1059, SB650, SB2063, SB122, SB1614, SB1884, SJR52, SJR53, HJR1101, SJR50, HB3021, HR1058, SB514, SB382, HB3320, SB740, SB833, SB2143, SB1209, SB244
Keywords:
SB1090, Oklahoma Homeowner Repair Contract Protection Act, home repair, home solicitation contract, cooling-off period, right to cancel, consumer protection, contract rescission, certified mail cancellation, home solicitation sales, contractor regulation, home improvement scams, public finance, State Treasurer, Invest In Oklahoma, OCAST, venture capital, private equity, growth funds, direct investment
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including the Nurse of the Day and a guest pastor, on the National Day of Prayer. Members also made announcements about prayer activities in the Capitol and welcomed former Speaker Charles McCall to the gallery. The chamber then moved through a long floor calendar of Senate bills, joint resolutions, and a conference committee report, with several measures amended on the floor before final passage.
Among the bills passed were SB 1090, a consumer protection measure aimed at giving homeowners time to cancel contracts with predatory door-knocking roofers and contractors; SJR 49, repealing a Wildlife Conservation Commission rule on surety for oil and gas leases; SB 633, a juvenile code measure described as protecting children from fentanyl poisoning; SB 650, a public utilities bill tied to transparency and accountability for state employee salary increases; SB 263, amended to include a “lemonade stand” provision; SB 122, a transportation-related bill on proof of insurance; and SB 1614, creating a teacher induction program, which also received emergency passage. SJR 52 and HJR 1101, both dealing with agency rules, also passed, as did SJR 53 on Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority rules.
The most debated item was SB 1884, which would strengthen equal access for school employees to teacher professional organizations and related membership/dues procedures. Supporters argued it would clarify existing law, ensure fair access, and give teachers more choice and legal support; opponents said the problem was compliance with current law, not a need for new statute, and warned against duplicating existing protections. After extended debate, the bill failed 47-44. Members then took up SJR 50, a major Medicaid expansion-related resolution revising earlier trigger language; supporters said it preserved expansion unless federal funding changed and gave lawmakers flexibility, while opponents argued the state had not done enough fiscal analysis before proposing changes. SJR 50 passed 69-18. Finally, the House adopted a conference committee report on HB 3021, consolidating graduation requirements into the ICAP framework and clarifying related school rules, and the bill passed with emergency status.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- consumer advocates to land on this language that we feel is a significant change, will provide transparency
- Do you know if that will be transparent?
- It is going to increase transparency because in this bill it does update the confidentiality provisions
- some of the best practices, what are other states doing that can give the commissioner, which is an elected
- on the doorsteps during this process right now, is they want some more accountability and more transparency
Bills:
SR28, SB201, SB1379, SB1525, SB1966, SB2112, SB2170, HB2749, HB3262, HB3265, HB3673, HB3781, HB3040, HB3076, HB3369, HB3982, HB3462, HB3465, HB3521, HB3796, HB3800, HB4095, HB4298, HB4316, HB4338, HB4408, HB4454
Keywords:
alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special family recitation of the Declaration of Independence by Senator Hamilton’s children. The chamber then adopted SR 28, recognizing May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma and encouraging awareness, prevention, and research on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergic condition. Senator Seifried also introduced constituents affected by alpha-gal. Later, the Senate heard a gallery introduction from advocates for victims of impaired driving, highlighting the toll of DUI-related crashes in Oklahoma.
The Senate then took up several House amendments and final-passage votes on bills. SB 201, clarifying that a teacher pay raise applies to certified classroom teachers, passed 47-0 and was advanced as an emergency. SB 1379, SB 1525, SB 1966, SB 2112, and SB 2170 also passed after adoption of House amendments, with SB 1525 and SB 1379 advanced as emergency measures. SB 1525 raised the threshold for contracting to host a conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and SB 1966 served as the annual omnibus highway, memorial highway, and bridge designation bill.
Among the House bills considered, HB 3262 increased the sheriff fee for service of process from $50 to $100 and passed 37-8. HB 3265 allowed a psychologist to make PTSD determinations for the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System and passed 47-0. HB 3781, a major insurance modernization bill changing rate-filing procedures for homeowners insurance and expanding the insurance commissioner’s review authority, passed 39-6 after extended debate over transparency, regulation, and market impact. HB 3040 expanded sex-offender loitering restrictions around businesses serving minors and passed 40-4, while HB 3076 authorized alternative teacher certification providers under OEQA oversight and passed 38-6 as an emergency measure.
The chamber also passed HB 3369, a deregulation and efficiency bill affecting fire suppression and LP gas inspections, HB 2749, which shifted an intergenerational education program toward a Medicaid state plan amendment, HB 3982 on fleet vehicle titling, HB 3462 creating a shorter residential-only plumbing licensure pathway, HB 3465 extending the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program to 2029, HB 3521 modernizing money transmission law, HB 3796 as an Oklahoma Insurance Department omnibus bill, HB 3800 as a roofing-industry cleanup bill, and HB 4095 modernizing the 211 hotline advisory council. Several of these measures drew debate over regulation, workforce needs, public safety, or fiscal and policy impacts, but all of the listed bills ultimately passed by recorded vote.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 14, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- CITIZENS IS NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO THAT SAME ELECTION REQUIREMENT.
- CURRENTLY THERE IS NO ELECTION PROCESS TO BE GIVEN NOTICE THAT ARBITRATION IS MANDATORY IN THE POLICY
- NOW THIS REQUIRES A FORM BE CREATED AND THE CONSUMER BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT ARBITRATION OR
- FOR FULL TRANSPARENCY I DO WANT TO CLEAR SOMETHING UP.
- RESULTS WILL STILL GO THROUGH ARBITRATION SHOULD CONSUMERS ELECT THAT.
NH
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They say they won, but they bought the election.
- It's no big deal if Anglos elect an Anglo person.
- This is about the voters and not the elected officials.
- I believe that we have the right to select our elected officials, not our elected officials selecting
- This lack of transparency is disingenuous at best.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- election day for all offices, submits the following report.
- My amendment to SB 1213 would have required transparency.
- My amendment to SB 1213 would have required transparency.
- We need to hire the right candidate for the job, not elect them.
- Judiciary and Elections; Appropriation, Transportation, Technology.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, guest introductions, and approval of the journal before moving through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. Early action included approval of several bills and resolutions, with amendments adopted on measures such as SB 1515, SB 1678, and SCR 1023. SCR 1023, which would change Independent Redistricting Commission membership and require a two-thirds vote for map approval, drew extended debate over nonpartisanship, geographic diversity, and population deviation; the amendment and the resolution both advanced on voice votes. The body also approved SB 1399, SB 1507, SB 1564, SB 1621, SB 1629, and SB 1811, generally after committee amendments and brief explanations from sponsors.
The Senate then considered another calendar featuring SB 1365, SB 1416, and SCR 1049. SB 1365, relating to the Williams Citrus, Fruit, and Vegetable Trust Fund, was amended and advanced. SB 1416, dealing with missing and kidnapped children reporting requirements and the Seek and Find Alert system, was amended to shift training from biannual to every two years and to require documentation of media/social media disclosure decisions; the bill passed as amended. SCR 1049, a constitutional referral on capital punishment, would add a firing-squad option; supporters said it would provide another execution method amid drug shortages, while opponents objected to expanding the death penalty. It also passed as amended.
On later calendars, the Senate approved SB 1134, SB 1489, SB 1725, SCR 1048, SB 1012, SB 1573, SB 1661, SB 1662, SB 1569, SB 1634, SB 1647, SCR 1005, SCR 1027, SB 1065, SB 1156, SB 1157, and SB 1213, with several amendments adopted. Topics included political signs, ballot-measure circulator disclosures, marijuana smoke as a nuisance, concealed weapons notice and appeal, paternity, probation conditions, voter registration and signature handling, foreign contributions, election dates, veterans’ hyperbaric therapy funding, border-related appropriations, and immigration enforcement notification. SB 1213 prompted notable debate over a Miranda amendment requiring law enforcement officers to visibly display identification and prohibiting facial coverings during duties, with supporters citing community safety and opponents arguing it would constrain enforcement; the transcript cuts off during that discussion.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:31.200>
in <00:22:31.440>federal ensuring transparency in federal ensuring transparency - limbo. support state level transparency limbo. support state level transparency measures<00:30:57.120
- <01:46:50.960>
or out without transparency or out without transparency or accountability<01 - who elected us to do so. who elected us to do so.
- WE WAS ELECTED TO DO. IN SPITE of the WE WAS ELECTED TO DO.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 006 on immigration. The resolution reaffirmed support for immigrant Coloradans, emphasized their economic and cultural contributions, and called for transparent, accountable federal immigration enforcement, including an end to masked or unidentified enforcement tactics and limits on actions near schools, clinics, courthouses, faith spaces, and other sensitive locations. It also urged humane federal immigration reform, stronger state transparency tools, and protection of First Amendment rights and peaceful protest.
Representative Joseph and Representative Brics spoke in strong support of the resolution, arguing that immigrants are integral to Colorado and that aggressive enforcement has caused fear, family separation, and harm in communities. They cited examples of alleged federal overreach and personal stories of affected constituents to argue for dignity, accountability, and reform. Representative Baron opposed the resolution as written, saying some parts were acceptable but others were too partisan; he offered an amendment that would emphasize legal immigration, federal authority over immigration enforcement, and a more bipartisan framing.
The amendment debate centered on whether the proposal was truly bipartisan and whether the resolution should be narrowed to focus on legal immigration and federal jurisdiction. Supporters of the amendment said it better reflected shared values and legal realities, while resolution sponsors rejected the changes and asked for a no vote. The transcript ends during continued debate over the amendment, with no final vote on the resolution or amendment shown in the excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 18 (2-2-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- responsibility, financial transparency responsibility, financial transparency and<00:33:28.399><
- If you really check the system, this democratic system of elected individuals are a board that's elected
- locally elected school boards have. locally elected school boards have.
- <01:07:07.440>
officials, board, publicly elected officials, board, publicly elected officials - relating to elections. Senator Tishner. relating to elections. Senator Tishner.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a quorum established. The journal was approved, absent senators were excused, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on housing districts, calorie information, alcohol beverage control, county clerk filings, vital records, and a resolution honoring Dr. Samantha Shaver. The chamber also received notice that the House had passed House Bills 384, 144, and 290 and requested concurrence. The Senate then recessed briefly for party caucuses before reconvening.
The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 3, relating to school district finances. The bill, as amended by Senate Committee Amendment 1 and Senate Floor Amendment 2, was described as strengthening financial transparency for school districts by requiring public access to budgeting information, monthly credit card statements, superintendent contracts and compensation, audits, and final working budgets. Supporters argued it would improve fiscal responsibility and accountability in response to concerns about spending practices in large districts. The Senate adopted both amendments and passed SB 3 by a vote of 35-1, with one senator explaining a no vote while acknowledging the need for transparency.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1, relating to education and the governance structure of a large school district. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent court ruling by adding detailed findings to justify treating the district differently and by clarifying that the superintendent handles day-to-day operations while the board focuses on strategic planning, budget approval, audits, and hiring or firing the superintendent. Proponents cited the district’s size, share of state education funding, number of students, and concentration of low-performing schools as reasons for the change. Opponents argued the bill would reduce elected board accountability, questioned whether the structure would improve outcomes, and emphasized broader funding and achievement challenges. After extended debate, the Senate proceeded to a vote on SB 1; the transcript shows a brief proponent statement and a lengthy opposing explanation, but the final vote result is not included in the provided text.
TX
Bills:
HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51, HB106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HJR8, HR51
Keywords:
nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/31/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- House Election Law Committee. House Election Law Committee.
- election day even arrives. election day even arrives.
- next state election in 28. next state election in 28.
- our elections, and support our election our elections, and support our election officials.<01:47
- >
election officials from legitimate election officials from legitimate election administration
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session (Part 1 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 596 by Assembly Member Ortega and an act relating to elections.
- So this can be abused rather than providing greater transparency and fairness.
- It could actually be weaponized and hurt our election process.
- The intent of transparency of whose funding elections is certainly something that we should all support
- And this bill did go through the Elections Committee, as was mentioned.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine procedural motions. Members then moved through a long agenda of Senate and Assembly bills, including several concurrence votes on budget trailer bills and policy measures. Early actions included defeating a motion to send AB 1207 to the inactive file, then passing SB 855 on armory property transfers, SB 57 on data centers and ratepayer impacts, and SB 614 on carbon capture pipeline transport, with SB 614 transmitted immediately to the Senate. The house also approved AB 144 and AB 149, the health and resources budget trailer bills, and later took up a large concurrence file with many mostly bipartisan measures.
Among the major policy items, the Assembly concurred in AB 7 on consideration of descendants of enslaved people in higher education admissions, AB 1400 on community college nursing/bachelor’s degree pilots, AB 56 on social media warning labels for children, AB 253 on housing plan-check timelines, AB 265 on disaster recovery support for small businesses, AB 301 on housing reconstruction timelines after fires, AB 325 on antitrust and pricing algorithms, AB 478 on emergency planning for pets, AB 670 on renter stability, AB 841 on the State Fire Marshal, AB 979 on AI cybersecurity, AB 1007 on faster housing permitting, AB 1032 on mental health care for wildfire victims, AB 1181 on firefighter cancer protections, and AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals. Several bills drew brief opposition or questions, including AB 149, where Assembly Member Dixon criticized omnibus budget drafting and fee increases, and AB 1264, where members discussed agriculture concerns and school nutrition. Most measures passed with strong margins, many unanimously.
Later in the day, the Assembly also considered a separate set of Senate bills, including SB 760 on behest reporting for charitable appeals, SB 271 on student parents’ access to child care and financial aid services, SB 613 on methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, SB 744 on postsecondary accreditation, SB 461 on a facility transfer for police services in Imperial, SB 487 on compensation for injured firefighters and peace officers, SB 635 on street vendor protections, SB 641 on licensing relief after disasters, SB 720 on red-light camera programs, SB 763 on Cartwright Act penalties, and SB 274 on limits for automated license plate reader data retention. SB 274 drew the most extended debate, with supporters emphasizing privacy, civil liberties, and misuse of data, and opponents arguing the bill would hamper law enforcement and crime-solving tools. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote shown for SB 274 in the excerpt provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It supports election supervisors.
- The supervisors of elections office typically will train Colton again.
- The supervisors of elections office typically will train The Supervisors of Elections Office typically
- I saw nothing that would instill my passion, which is elections and running elections.
- But you really had me at the need to be transparent with foreign financing.
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met and first approved several open-government sunset repeal bills and related measures. SB 7024 and SB 7026, both sponsored by Senator Mayfield, were explained as consolidating and extending public records/public meetings exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies; both were reported favorably. SB 7020, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, reenacted an aquaculture records exemption for records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was also reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 14 and SB 24, claims bills for relief involving Miami-Dade County, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg; all were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS for SB 806, a consumer right-to-repair bill creating portable wireless device and agricultural equipment repair acts, despite opposition from several industry groups, and reported it favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I personally prefer voting on election day.
- and a lot of other elected officials have been consistently lying about the integrity of our elections
- We're speaking about state elections, not federal.
- State elections and federal elections happen at the same time, but duly noted. Please continue.
- I rise as a former chair of the Elections Committee, joining the former chair of the Elections Committee
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard.
The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- And you, as an accountable elected body, give those factors to an accountable elected judge.
- And you, as an accountable elected body, give those factors to an accountable elected judge.
- That's very transparent: 48-month sentence, serve two-thirds.
- That decision's already been made by an elected judge.
- If you don't have a transparent system, and this is in a law review article, if you don't have a transparent
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Republican Leaders Present Bills to Curb Government Waste - 03/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to shift gears just a little bit and talk about good governance and transparency.
- There should still be accountability, should be transparent, and people should know what we are using
- <00:07:39.639>
so a better job when we got elected so a better job when we got elected so - <00:07:50.280>
and transparency and transparency and um<00:07:53.199>Zer <00:07:53.639> - accountability should be transparent accountability should be transparent people<00:08:24.720>
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that transparency is a bal We know that transparency is a bal baseline<00:34:56.399>
requirement - It will outcomes of our elections.
- Instead, it promotes transparency,<02:26:05.840>
consistency, <02:26:06.399>and transparency - withdrawal and allows a transparent withdrawal and allows a transparent process<02:27:45.840>
- There's been no transparency there.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- of election, ranked choice voting, locally elected offices.
- Wage or salary transparency, cause of action.
- This legislation relates to elections. and 74 different bills, same patron.
- to the Monday following the election, and our enactment date was originally the election to the Monday
- As well as providing transparency and reporting requirements. Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the general election or the general election results are officially certified.
- up until the officers-elect assume their official office.
- There is not enough transparency in our country, and that comes with our elections.
- I'm Jerry Holland, Duval County Supervisor of Elections.
- See how our elections are done in the state of Florida.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably.
Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.