Video & Transcript : 'ballot delivery' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It wasn't until 1914 before they passed, and the first initiative got on the ballot as well.
- This initiative process was reserved to the people. ...the ballot as well.
- Senator Hasegawa. the ballot as well.
- So they'll submit... ...called ballot title shopping.
- So the last six or whatever initiatives, four, six initiatives, made it to the ballot.
Summary:
The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 23, 2026, first taking executive action on several bills. The committee held SB 6035 and SB 5842 for another week, then worked through SB 5973 on initiative and referendum signature gathering rules. Members debated 12 amendments to a proposed substitute and the underlying bill, but none were adopted. The substitute would prohibit pay-per-signature and require 1,000 pre-filing signatures for initiatives; opponents argued it would burden the initiative process, while supporters said it would curb fraud and improve accountability. The committee then advanced SB 5892, SB 6081, SB 5877, SB 5968, and SB 6034, each on a due pass recommendation, with SB 6081 referred to the Transportation Committee and the others sent to Rules or Ways and Means as noted in the motions.
During public hearing, the committee heard SB 5888, which would remove Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women's Commission. Senator Wellman said the change would align the commission with similar bodies and correct an inconsistency, and commission staff testified in support, saying the appointment process is already thorough and that the governor would retain appointment authority. The committee also heard SB 6123, expanding a public-records exemption for voluntarily supplied demographic information to local government employees; a Pierce County HR director supported the bill, saying it would help build trust while preserving aggregate reporting. The hearing on SB 5853, sponsored by Senator Wilson, drew strong support and no opposition; it would create a statewide emergency notification system for public officials to alert them to targeted threats, with the Secretary of State and Military Department involved in administration. Secretary of State staff said they supported the concept but wanted to work with the sponsor on implementation details, and the sponsor said he was willing to amend the bill to address those concerns.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's imperative that this bond get on the ballot and get passed.
- Is there still time to put this issue on the ballot again?
- But if it fails to get on the ballot or fails on the ballot, there's no way you can get on before two
- Yes, it has to be to qualify for the ballot this year.
- We've got to get this on the ballot, no doubt, and we will. Vice Chair Gonzalez, thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California.
Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants.
The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Apr 1st, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- And it, like I said, it will be subject to a ballot approval. And basically, we also have a...
- But again, it's just the opportunity to put it on the ballot. It will be a sales tax.
- just changing in saying that, you know, if the local city wants to do it, they can put it on the ballot
- totally agree, I think it should be statewide that the locals should be able to put these on the ballot
- totally agree, I think it should be statewide that the locals should be able to put these on the ballot
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which replaced Senator Black’s version with Representative Farnan’s bill. Members discussed that the controversial community-agreement language had been removed and that related community paramedic language had been moved to another bill. The committee then voted 16-0 to do pass the substituted bill.
The committee next considered House Bill 3496, dealing with county officials’ salary schedules and county classification issues. Representative Reedy explained the substitute added election authorities language, incorporated another bill on sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, and changed the title and substance to address county valuation rules for certain fourth-class counties. Members discussed the impact on county classifications and the inclusion of abated and tax-exempt property in valuation calculations. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted 15-1 to do pass the bill.
In public hearing, Representative Sharp presented House Bill 3028 as a Lewis County fix to allow more at-large members on a county board instead of requiring one from each township; a retired Lewis County commissioner testified in support, and no opposition appeared. Representative Thompson presented House Bill 2431 to let Lexington ask voters for a public safety sales tax after a major gas explosion; supporters said it would fund police, fire, and ambulance needs without reducing current budgets, while an opponent argued against new taxes and special laws. Representative Violet presented House Bill 2732 to raise the voter-approved cap on water service line repair fees from $12 to $24 annually; St. Peters officials said costs have risen and the program helps residents avoid large repair bills, while an opponent said existing programs are solvent and opposed the increase. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 11:01 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate were different reporting periods, and those occurred in January 1st through—if you're on the ballot
- Again, it mirrors the reporting requirements for the folks that are on the ballot that same year.
- So moving on to 16.108.206, special requirements for statements required for persons engaged in ballot
- This is an additional section that requires ballot folks who are engaged in ballot measures to file under
- There's one that I know of, possibly two candidates that have just been on the ballot and never filed
Bills:
SB2156
Committee:
House Government and Veterans Affairs
Keywords:
campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review HB 2156, which reorganizes North Dakota campaign finance disclosure law by repealing Chapter 16.1 and moving the provisions into a new Chapter 16.2 with mostly technical cross-reference updates. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State’s office walked through the bill section by section, explaining that most language is carried over from current law, with some cleanup to definitions, reporting requirements, public access rules, and filing procedures. The committee discussed how the new chapter would apply to candidates, candidate committees, political committees, political parties, ballot measure groups, and conduits.
Several substantive issues were raised and adjusted during the discussion. Members questioned the open-records language for expenditures and contributions over $250, the use of “deposit” versus “receipt” as the reporting trigger, and whether the 48-hour supplemental reporting deadline should be changed to three calendar days; the group ultimately favored keeping 48 hours and using “deposit” consistently. They also clarified reporting dates, including changing one special-election deadline from 40 days to 39 days, and confirmed that balances of campaign funds would be reported but not made publicly available. The Secretary of State’s office also explained that the bill would make late fees public and that the chapter-wide penalty for willful violations remains a Class A misdemeanor.
The main policy change debated at length was the late-filing fee schedule. Members expressed concern that the existing penalties were too low to deter intentional non-filers, and after discussion the committee agreed to increase the final late fee from $100 to $500 while keeping the new public posting of delinquent filers. The committee also reviewed an inflation-adjustment provision for reporting thresholds and the “ultimate true source of funds” language, which was described as existing law being carried into the new chapter. The meeting ended with the understanding that additional drafting changes would be made and that the bill would be ready for further committee action later in the week.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
- Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
- Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
- Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
- Seeing no one, please cast up the ballot by a vote of 34 yea, zero nay.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- approve explanation language on the three proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot
- approve explanation language on the three proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot
- Madam Chair, no, there's nothing in the law that describes what order the ballot questions go on the
- ballot.
- Virginia law, I believe, is 30-199, prohibits leading questions on ballots and leading language.
Committee:
House Privileges and Elections
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Privileges and Elections Committees convened with a quorum present to approve explanatory ballot language for three proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the November ballot. The committee reviewed the amendments on reproductive freedom, the right to vote, and the right to marry, with staff explaining that the committee was only approving neutral voter-facing explanation language, not the constitutional text itself. Members raised questions about wording, ballot order, and whether the explanations were sufficiently clear or potentially leading, especially on the reproductive freedom amendment.
For HJ 1/SJ 1, the committee debated the explanation at length, including objections that it was misleading or incomplete and responses from counsel and supporters that it accurately tracked the amendment text. A motion to insert “Question 1” into the explanation was adopted, and the amended explainer language for the reproductive freedom amendment was then approved. The committee then moved through the right-to-vote and right-to-marry amendments, similarly adding question numbers to the explanatory language before approving the amended explanations.
Recorded votes showed the amendments to the explanatory language passing on party-line divisions in both chambers, generally with Senate support from the majority and House support from the majority, while several members voted no. After approving the amended explainer language for all three amendments, the committee concluded the meeting and adjourned.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- approve explanation language on the three proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot
- Madam Chair, no, there's nothing in the law that describes what order of the ballot, or the questions
- going on the ballot.
- Madam Chair, Virginia law, I believe it's 30-199, prohibits leading questions on ballots.
- Code Section 30-199 prohibits leading questions on ballots and leading language.
Committee:
House Privileges and Elections
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But the only request and the only requirement that we have is that that would be done by a secret ballot
- You said that they could have a... can't have a secret ballot, or they can't have a secret ballot, but
- One of them being by card check, one of them being by secret ballot.
- We are saying that we are requiring it to be done by secret ballot if they choose. All right.
- fiscal impact by a company making a choice to allow for their employees to form a union by secret ballot
Summary:
The Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up four member bills. The first, CS/HB 1387 by Rep. Overdorf, would create the Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act and require secret-ballot union recognition for companies receiving state economic development funds. Questions focused on whether the bill was pro- or anti-union and on its fiscal impact; the sponsor said it was neutral and expected no fiscal impact. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with several speakers arguing it would interfere with private-sector labor relations and discourage companies with existing labor agreements from investing in Florida, while a few supporters backed the measure. The bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with several members voting no.
The committee then unanimously reported favorably CS/HB 1211 by Rep. Albert, which streamlines senior management service governance in the Department of Military Affairs, updates military leave benefits for state employees serving in the Florida National Guard, expands emergency financial assistance eligibility for guardsmen, and repeals an unfunded statutory program. An amendment aligning senior management positions under state statute was adopted without objection. The committee also unanimously reported favorably CS/HB 741 by Rep. Owen, a Department of Commerce bill updating outdated statutes, including provisions on military installation revertor clauses, rural community definitions, community development block grant language, and E-Verify/unauthorized employment provisions; the sponsor said there would be little or no fiscal impact. Finally, CS/CS/HB 1093 by Rep. Spencer, dealing with advanced air mobility, was amended to focus on infrastructure and funding for vertiports and charging systems and to remove liability, siding, and preemption provisions. Support came from industry and legal groups, and the bill was reported favorably unanimously.
Before adjournment, the chair noted that budget recommendations for fiscal year 2026-27 had been submitted to the appropriations chair. The ranking member offered closing remarks, saying it was his last year in the House and thanking members for their collegiality. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- My name's on the ballot.
- If a ballot gets jammed in the ballot-counting device, I should not touch it.
- If a ballot gets jammed on the ballot.
- . ballot. ballot.
- question on their ballot.
Committee:
House Municipal and County Government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Prohibiting entities from engaging in election activity 3/12/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ballot issues, versus Botti decision.
- </c> ballot issues. ballot issues. 3419<00:31:53.600><c> is</c><00:31:53.840><c> an</c><00:31:54.080>
- A political and ballot issue activity.
- </c> to engage in election and ballot to engage in election and ballot activities<00:37:22.320><c> provided
- So it seems to me that ballot activity.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> by conferring ballot by conferring ballot access<00:41:45.280><c> without</c><00:41:45.640><c> petitioning
- presidents, governors, congressmen, state legislators, judges, and many people on the ballot.
- presidents, governors, congressmen, state legislators, judges, and many people on the ballot.
- presidents, governors, congressmen, state legislators, judges, and many people on the ballot.
- presidents, governors, congressmen, state legislators, judges, and many people on the ballot.
Keywords:
campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #24
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's no longer the restriction on, for example, dropping off ballots at 7 o'clock the day of.
- They have different equipment and different ballots, and it would cost tens of millions of dollars.
- They have different equipment and different ballots, and it will cost tens of millions of dollars.
- The matter, members, it's not illegal for them to donate to ballot measure committees. Oh, got it.
- Okay. ...them to donate to ballot measure committees.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Protect Voter Registration Apr 24th, 2025 at 09:04 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Under this bill, even eligible citizens could be denied full access to their ballots just because they
- for voters to vote in person as poll... ...workers will need to process two different classes of ballots
- : the limited federal ballot and the full ballots for the voter selections for every ballot item.
- recently as 2021, Texas passed SB1, a sweeping omnibus bill that caused 18,000 vote-by-mail voters' ballots
Summary:
The committee meeting involved various discussions pertaining to legislative initiatives and public policy concerns. Members engaged in debates around significant topics, highlighting their diverse perspectives. The atmosphere was lively with members presenting arguments for and against certain measures. Testimonies from the public were also a key feature, shedding light on community sentiments related to proposed bills.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for being here. to do, if it passes on the ballot in the fall of 2026, to be ready to go.
- think that the ballot should be loaded up with too many things either.
- This is a bill that we're going to pass, and it's going to go on the ballot.
- ...require citizenship to be confirmed before allowing an elector to register and cast a ballot?
- , and we got to get the sample ballots out, and what have you.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state funds for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training-center needs, including Wi-Fi for reserve units at joint facilities, a reimbursement program for service members using personal computers, lodging and kind for drill weekends, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for each purpose, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which added national-security restrictions on networking equipment, removed the reimbursement and lodging provisions from the underlying bill, and adjusted the funding language, passed. The sponsor and several military witnesses testified that reserve and Guard members at places like Buckeye lack Wi-Fi, adequate HVAC, and lodging, forcing soldiers to use public libraries, personal devices, or sleep in cars or on armory floors. After debate over whether the state should fund needs tied to federal reserve units and how the money would be sourced, the committee recommended HB 2348 as amended by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 registered voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and reflect voter preference, noting the change from an earlier 1,000-voter cap to 2,500 after feedback from county officials. County and advocacy witnesses opposed the resolution, arguing that vote centers provide flexibility, are often more cost-effective, and are necessary in rural counties and large counties like Maricopa; they also said precinct voting would require many more locations, staff, and equipment, and could force some counties into central-count tabulation. Supporters argued precinct voting improves voter confidence and access. The committee approved HCR 2016 for the ballot by a 4-3 vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military, National Guard, and reserve members and to broaden acceptable identification. Arizona State Parks testified in a neutral position, saying the agency is self-funded through user fees and already offers discounts to active duty, veterans, and disabled veterans, but warned that expanding free admission could affect park revenue and rural economies. The bill discussion ended with the amendment adopted and the measure moving forward.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the gold standard in voting: paper ballots, early voting in person and by mail, and a robust
- or the mailing ballots, and then also the dual addressing challenge.
- Poll book printer malfunctions and ballot shortages.
- Many of these places only brought 100 emergency ballots when we have a long history of challenges of
- machines... ...ballots when we have a long history of challenges of machines not working and going down
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions recognizing Arizona Dental Hygienists Association visitors, deaf and hard of hearing advocacy groups, Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists members, the Doctor of the Day, tribal voting advocates, and other guests. Members also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning. The chamber then received a long list of bills and resolutions for first reading and committee referral, covering elections, education, public safety, health, tribal affairs, housing, agriculture, and other topics.
The main floor action was in Committee of the Whole on SB 1425, an elections bill dealing with the July primary and related election procedures. The bill was amended in committee, then further amended on the floor, and the Committee of the Whole recommended it do pass as amended. During third reading, members spoke in support of the measure as a bipartisan election fix that would move the primary up two weeks, improve ballot timing, and require observers in every county. Senator Hatathlie highlighted persistent tribal voting barriers such as mail ballot issues, dual-addressing problems, ID access, funding shortages, misinformation, and polling-place disruptions, while Senator Gonzalez voted no because of the emergency clause. The bill passed 27-1 with two not voting and was transmitted to the House.
The Senate also adopted two proclamations: one naming September 4, 2026, as Taekwondo Day in Arizona and another declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month, encouraging CPR and AED awareness. After a recess, the Senate returned briefly to introduce additional bills, refer SB 1315 to Public Safety and SB 1090 to Finance, announce upcoming committee meetings, and then adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 9th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Like I said, what we're trying to do is move all the state questions to the August ballot.
- Like I said, this legislature is trying to get state questions on the August ballot.
- The only amendment that I've added was to move it to the August ballot.
- If the author could tell me what the August ballot had to do with the closed-door meetings.
- Do we ultimately decide by the people of Oklahoma on an August ballot.
Bills:
HB4248 , HB4429 , HB2588 , HB3472 , HB4317 , HB3462 , HB2035 , HB3501 , HB3127 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3260 , HB4321 , HB3011 , HB3522 , HB3530 , HB3940 , HB3078 , HB3043 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3403 , HB1907 , HB3175 , HB3986 , HB3466 , HB3411 , HB4246 , SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086 , HJR1024 , HJR1087
Keywords:
HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and several introductions recognizing the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, visiting school groups, and other guests in the galleries. Members also heard a personal privilege statement from Senator Peterson marking the 100th anniversary of his father’s immigration to the United States, followed by a reception announcement in the lounge.
The chamber then took up H.J.R. 1024, a proposed constitutional amendment revising the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing political affiliation restrictions, changing term rules, and allowing consecutive service. An amendment was adopted to move the special election date to August 25, 2026, but the special-election provision later failed on a 27-17 vote. After extended debate over judicial independence, transparency, and political influence, the resolution itself passed 35-8.
The Senate next considered H.J.R. 1087, which would place before voters a constitutional amendment on the five-year ad valorem tax exemption for qualified manufacturing facilities and allow the Legislature to set reimbursement levels for local entities. Supporters said it would give the state more control over costly reimbursements; the measure passed 38-7, and the special-election provision also passed 38-7. The Senate then laid over two agenda items, made committee and event announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amend. and Intergovernmental Affairs.(1-22-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- have a well-run process open to all voters, protected by safeguards that ensure that only lawful ballots
- So, the idea of transparency is that the process is transparent, and of course our paper ballots are
- not identified in any way by the person that cast those ballots when you come in with your ID.
- are not identified our our paper ballots are not identified in<00:12:24.720><c> any</c><00:12:24.880
- </c> ballots when you come in with your ID. ballots when you come in with your ID.
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
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gubernatorial term limits proposed 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to the voters, and the language of the ballot
- The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to the voters, and the language of the ballot
- I think that now is a great time because there's not an incumbent on the ballot.
- the language with that amendment to start counting the terms in 2026, since he is no longer on the ballot
- We don't have an incumbent on the ballot, and it makes this kind of the opportune time to move forward
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I know there are thoughts that there might be, they might put this on the ballot, or it might be on the
- ballot, but any other thoughts on what you're expecting next for this?
- I know there are thoughts that there might be, they might put this on the ballot, or it might be on the
- ballot, but any other thoughts on what you're expecting next for this?
- , or it might be on the ballot, but any other thoughts on what you're expecting next for this?
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability on day 59 of the session focused mainly on the House-passed income tax on high earners, the pending operating and transportation budgets, and several late-session tax and policy bills. Republicans argued the income tax was unconstitutional under existing state precedent, would lead to capital flight and broader tax expansion, and was being rushed through without adequate public input. They also criticized the budget process as overspending revenues, relying on gimmicks, and setting up future deficits and tax increases.
The leaders said the House was preparing to consider a transportation bond bill requiring a three-fifths vote, along with bills on data centers, pharmaceutical wholesale taxes, K-12 funding, highway construction, direct electric vehicle sales, abortion-related funding, and an electric transmission measure. They said Democrats could pass the bond bill without Republican votes if all 59 House Democrats supported it, but Republicans opposed bonding for maintenance and preservation. They also said the budget could be balanced even if some of the tax bills failed.
Much of the discussion centered on the 24-hour House debate over the income tax, which Republicans said they extended to force daylight debate and highlight objections. They said the bill passed by two votes and that several Democrats privately opposed it. Republicans also criticized the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in the budget, saying the money should be returned to taxpayers or used for transportation or the Working Families Tax Credit rather than special interests. In closing, they said House Republicans had been successful in opposite-house cutoff, killing 54% of Senate bills sent to the House and helping produce one of the lowest numbers of bills passed in years.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- And I can go back to even in '98, the Clean Elections Law ballot initiative passed by 66%.
- So even though I'm too young to cast a ballot, I know how much it means to have a voice.
- It was really exciting to put in for an absentee ballot and get it sent.
- sent me an absentee ballot.
- It just was an absentee ballot that was sent to me. It was real simple.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work.
A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later.
Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided.
The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.