Video & Transcript Research : 'absentee voting'
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AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote aye. Representative Carter votes aye. I'm in the chair. I vote aye.
- Those in favor, vote aye; those opposed, vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor, vote aye; those opposed, vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- And I vote aye. Representative Fink votes aye. Have you all voted? Thank you. And I vote aye.
- Representative Fink votes aye. Have you all voted? Clerk will record the vote.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and various guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing February 17, 2026, as Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar.
In Committee of the Whole, HB 2307 received committee amendments and a due pass recommendation. HB 2758, relating to groundwater transportation and La Paz County, drew substantial debate and multiple amendments; supporters described it as a water policy measure with added protections, while opponents warned it would weaken basin protections and benefit private water investors. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due pass recommendation. The committee also gave due pass recommendations to HCR 2003, HCR 2047, and HCR 2002 after debate on issues including transgender participation in sports and the historical/biblical naming of Judea and Samaria.
On third reading, the House passed HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations of vote on several measures. HB 262 was described as honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, HB 272 as a public health-related measure tied to provider credentialing, HB 296 as a water infrastructure and finance bill, and HB 2459 as a bipartisan mobile home park tenant protection bill. The House then received the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and noted that HB 2758 failed to pass. The session concluded with announcements about committee meetings, a Game and Fish Department legislative day, and other personal remarks before adjournment until February 18, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 25th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote.
- All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote.
- All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote.
- All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote.
- All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote.
Summary:
The Assembly met on July 17, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through a long ceremonial and floor session. The chamber recognized the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows, the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and the 2025 Assembly Fellows, and also heard guest introductions honoring Brad Webb of Legislative Counsel, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, the new UC President J.B. Milliken, the Rohnert Park 11-and-under Cal Ripken All-Star team, and arts leaders from Auburn. The Assembly also took up several procedural motions, including removing some bills from the consent calendar and noting absences.
On the floor, members adopted ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, with broad support and 66 co-authors, and later adopted H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month, with 65 co-authors. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of State Highway Route 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and H.R. 50 proclaiming November 25, 2025, as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, with members emphasizing survivor support and prevention. In each case, authors and supporters highlighted the cultural, historical, or public-safety significance of the measures.
The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments on several bills, including AB 359 on the Political Reform Act, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices and penalizing sellers, AB 1286 on public employment transparency, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AJR 14, urging federal attention to the impact of tariffs on California ports, passed 44-1 after debate over trade policy and port jobs. AJR 17, calling for modernization of immigration law and a pathway to lawful status for long-term undocumented residents, passed 47-7 after extensive debate focused on immigrant families, the economy, and federal enforcement actions. The Assembly also adopted the resolutions by voice vote where required and recorded the roll-call results for the joint resolutions.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Apr 4, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 46
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Morikawa for the vote. vote. vote.
- Reps AOS, Garcia, and Perrick<00:48:11.200>
vote Perrick vote Perrick vote no.<00:48:13.040> vote. All those in favor say I. vote. All those in favor say I.- Garcia votes no. draft 2. Reps Gar Rep. Garcia votes no.
- Peruso votes no. On page SD3HD1, Rep. Peruso votes no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. Members vote who desire to vote.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file.
The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members.
The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/23/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- vote. Thank you. vote. Thank you.
- Jones, I. votes aye. Mammangi Hilton, yes. Rarick votes aye. votes I. Jones. votes I. Jones.
- Jones votes aye. Momanyi-Hiltsley votes aye. Rarick votes no. Anderson, P.E., votes no.
- Momanyi-Hiltsley votes aye. Rarick votes no. Anderson, P.E., votes no. Anderson, P.E., votes no.
- A no vote is a vote for the status quo. It's a vote for complacency.
AK
Alaska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Session Jun 19th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, to remind members, a yes vote votes in favor of overriding.
- This vote requires 40 affirmative votes. Thank you, Madam Majority Leader.
- This vote requires 40 votes in the affirmative to override the veto.
- A yes vote will override the veto. A no vote will maintain the governor's veto.
- This vote requires 40 votes in the affirmative to override the veto.
Summary:
The Alaska Legislature met in joint session to consider gubernatorial vetoes of five bills. Members first took up House Bill 52 on minors and psychiatric hospitals, with supporters arguing it would improve transparency, family communication, oversight, and reporting around seclusion and restraint in psychiatric facilities. Opponents of the veto cited DOJ findings and media reports about abuses at a North Star facility. The override failed, 36-24, falling short of the 40 votes needed.
The joint session then considered Senate Bill 41 on mental health education. Supporters said it would help develop age-appropriate mental health curriculum and could aid suicide prevention, while critics argued it was mischaracterized and did not impose a state takeover of local schools. The veto override failed, 38-22. Members next considered House Bill 314 on architects, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers, focusing on the AELS Board’s continuation and the need for professional oversight during major infrastructure work. That override passed, 45-15.
The legislature then voted on Senate Bill 21, the Alaska Work and Save Program, which supporters said would expand retirement savings access for workers and small businesses, including an option to direct PFD funds into retirement accounts. The override failed, 39-21. Finally, House Bill 195 on pharmacists and physician assistants was debated as a health care access measure that would let pharmacists provide more services under a standard-of-care model; supporters said it would reduce costs and improve access, while some members raised concerns about scope and abortion-related issues. The veto override passed, 43-17. The joint session then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor vote aye; opposed vote no. The ayes have it.
- Secretary, record the vote. By a vote of 30-0 and 0 not voting, you have passed Senate Bill 1125.
- And I vote no. Senator Miranda, of us. And I vote no. Senator Miranda votes no.
- I vote no. Senator Kuby votes no. Senator Gonzales. Speaker, I rise to explain my vote. Please.
- I vote no. Senator Gabaldón votes no. The system is now closed.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County Parks and Fair officials, a constituent guest, a candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day.
The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three bills. SB 1268/HB 2792, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup measure, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a primary residence and jointly owned property for spouses; it received a due pass recommendation and later passed 29-1 with an emergency clause. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information tied to public spending, drew extensive debate over privacy, public health, cost, and immigration enforcement; supporters framed it as accountability for taxpayer spending, while opponents called it discriminatory and harmful to care-seeking, and it passed 17-13. SB 1316, creating a process for Arizona rural health transformation funds and requiring public hearings and JLBC involvement, was defended as a transparency measure for a $167 million federal rural health award; opponents argued it added bureaucracy and could delay rural care, but it passed 17-13.
After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the Senate took up third readings. HB 2792 passed 29-1 with an emergency clause, SB 1123 passed 29-1, SB 1125 passed 30-0, SB 1145 passed 29-1, SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13. Several members explained votes, with repeated arguments over immigration, public health, transparency, and the role of JLBC. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until February 11, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Cler lock machine record to vote vote.
- Clerk wanting the members will vote. will vote. will vote.
- vote vote I'm I don't know lock the machine court vote 101 I know lock the machine court vote 101 I
- Cling and members will vote. Cler will lock the votes 200 ns vote.
- has been vote votes 52 I zero ns BR has been vote votes 52 I zero ns BR has been adopted questions final
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Those wishing to vote or change Their vote chairs and clothes.
- Vote will now occur. For the mis vote, I oppose the measure. Vote 'nay'.
- A vote will occur. If you favor advancement, vote 'aye.' If you oppose advancement, vote 'nay.'
- Senator Seifried waves the vote. The vote will now occur.
- Was wishing a vote or change your votes?
Bills:
SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201
Keywords:
voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Nevada Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Would anyone like to change their vote? Chief Clerk will record the vote.
- Would anyone like to change your vote? The Chief Clerk will record the vote.
- Would anyone like to change your vote? The Chief Clerk will record the vote.
- Would anyone like to change your vote? Chief Clerk will record the vote.
- Would anyone like to change your vote? Chief Clerk will record the vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Mar 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 40
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/21/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Sha voted yes. Representative Klering voted yes. Representative Harriet Gite voted no.
- The clerk voted yes. Representative Newell voted yes. Chairman Roy voted yes.
- The clerk voted no. Representative Newell voted no. Chairman Roy voted yes.
- voted no; Representative Muse voted no; Representative Newman voted no; Representative Murphy voted
- no; the clerk voted no; Representative Newell voted no; Chairman Roy voted yes.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk unlock machine and the members will vote. The clerk recorded the vote: 69 yeas, zero nays.
- Clerk unlocking the members vote. vote 65 eyes, zero nays. vote 65 eyes, zero nays.
- Clerk unlock machine and the members vote. The clerk recorded the vote: 74 yeas, zero nays.
- The members will vote. Requiring 63 votes. The clerk recorded the vote: 67 yeas, zero nays.
- Clerk, unlock the machine and record the votes. Clerk, lock the machine and record the vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- I vote no. Representative De Los Santos votes no. Have you all voted? Representative Simacek. Mr.
- I vote no. Representative Simacek votes no. Representative Simacek. Mr.
- Representative Carbone votes aye. Have you all voted?
- It's a vote. If you are in favor, vote aye. If opposed, vote nay. Do you have it?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and student guests, including JAG students and Hila Ben High School visitors. Attendance was recorded at 49 present, 3 absent, and 8 excused. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a 25% increase in the child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and expanded senior retirement-income deductions. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, leave out some seniors without retirement accounts, and reduce revenue needed for public services.
HB 2153 drew extensive debate and multiple questions about its effects on seniors, small businesses, wages, child care, and the timing of tax filing forms already issued by the Department of Revenue. Supporters emphasized taxpayer certainty, conformity with federal forms, and economic growth; critics said the bill was fiscally irresponsible and unfair. The Committee of the Whole approved the bill 31-26, and the House later adopted the report and referred the bill to engrossing.
The House then took up the Senate mirror measure, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and held floor explanations of vote. After further debate along similar lines, the House passed SB 1106 by a vote of 31-27 with 2 not voting and transmitted it to the Senate. The remainder of the session included personal privilege remarks, committee schedule announcements, a long list of first-read bills and referrals, and finally a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight REVISED: SB2045 - Added Apr 13th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Education Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you care to vote? Close vote, clear the vote. Member, we'll send that as a do pass.
- Open it for a vote. Hasenbeck, aye. West, aye. Close vote, clear the vote. Nine ayes. Aye.
- Open it up for a vote. Waldron, aye. Hasenbeck, aye. Close vote, clear the vote.
- Open the queue for a vote. Waldron, nay. Close vote, clear the vote.
- Open the queue for a vote. Waldron, aye. Close the vote, declare the vote.
Bills:
SB710, SB843, SB1317, SB1338, SB1410, SB1477, SB1489, SB1593, SB1614, SB1630, SB1632, SB1633, SB1670, SB1726, SB1734, SB1725, SB1735, SB1894, SB1975, SB346, SB2045
Keywords:
teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- >> No vote. >> No vote.
- Voting on House Bill 1511 HD1 with vote.
- >> No<01:41:05.199>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - >> No<01:47:16.639>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - The first vote is to vote to votes. The first vote is to vote to reconsider.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised.
HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony.
HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later.
The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- No votes. reservations? Any no votes? No votes.
- No votes. reservations? Any no votes? No votes.
- Any no votes? No votes. Senator Ihara. Any no votes? No votes.
- No votes? No votes. Reservations? No votes? No votes.
- Any no votes? No votes. Senator Favlla. Any no votes? No votes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 10, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 12
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> No<00:26:23.840>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - >> No<00:34:37.119>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - >> No<00:34:48.800>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - >> No<00:35:13.599>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote. - >> No<00:42:36.560>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote.
Bills:
HR11, HB1872, HB2171, HB2161, HB2416, HB2518, HB2617, HB2159, HB2606, HB2362, HB2385, HB2476, HB1923, HB2444, HB1608, HB1967, HB1968, HB2502, HB1782, HB2357, HB2445, HB1870, HB1838, HB2137, HB2208, HB2458, HB1972, HB2007, HB2160, HB2343, HB2315, HB2505, HB1857, HB469, HB1452, HB814, HB1621, HB1880, HB1831, HB1572, HB2119, HB2139, HB2459, HB2194, HB2561, HB2017, HB1931, HB1700, HB1719, HB1726, HB1737, HB1742, HB2049, HB2383, HB2116, HB2446, HB2249, HB2255, HB2320, HB2360, HB2581, HB2443, HB1531, HB2622, HB9, HB2290, HB2291, HB2235, HB2263, HB2498, HB1579, HB1728, HB1900
Keywords:
808 Elite, youth football, American Youth Football National Championships, AYF, Hawaii football, youth athletics, sports recognition, commendation, House resolution, student-athletes, sportsmanship, teamwork, state pride, Hawaii youth sports, national championship, early learning, apprenticeship, child care, education funding, workforce development
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- President, has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote, explain their vote.
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- wish to change their vote, explain their vote?
- I'd like to uh change my vote on a vote. >> Uh, yes, Senator, do we have a vote card? Excellent.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi David Hland, followed by a series of introductions and recognitions for visiting groups and guests, including Delta Sigma Theta members for Delta Day in Annapolis, Towson High School students, the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition, interns, and other visitors. The Senate adopted a resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters for service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action, and also journalized the rabbi’s invocation. Several committee and delegation announcements were made, including upcoming bill hearings and voting sessions.
On legislation, the chamber handled a number of special-order and third-reading bills. Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 99 were both delayed for further amendment work, with SB 99 ultimately amended and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also received and referred a bond initiative and heard an executive nominations report, with the nominations set for consideration in open session at a later time. During third reading, the Senate passed numerous bills, including measures on mail and service animal program disqualifications, police promotion pay restrictions, counterfeit lease penalties, Motor Vehicle Administration identification card requirements, environmental health specialist board sunset extension, used vehicle bill of sale requirements, collective bargaining for ATC cannabis police officers, transfer-on-death designations for vehicles and vessels, heavy-weight port corridor permits, controllable electronic records, lead paint abatement bonding and insurance, civic excellence in public schools, child pornography penalties, cemetery sale/transfer requirements, tobacco licenses for electronic smoking devices, legal services board membership, Baltimore County Public Library supervisory bargaining, money transmitter definitions, scalp cooling insurance coverage, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, elevator inspection database access, tax increment financing in noncontiguous areas, professional liability disclosure for certain care facilities and midwives, immunity for donation of pet supplies, massage therapy board revisions, and others.
One bill drew floor debate: Senate Bill 82, which would increase penalties for counterfeit lease of real property, was opposed by a senator who argued it would disproportionately impact renters and conflict with justice reform goals. Despite that objection, the bill passed. The Senate also changed one recorded vote on Senate Bill 252 from red to green by unanimous consent. Overall, the session was marked by routine passage of a large slate of bills, a few postponements for amendment negotiation, and several ceremonial recognitions and announcements.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Balman voted aye. Representative Bray voted aye. Representative Brown voted yes.
- Representative Imes voted yes. Representative Lewis voted yes. Representative Maddox voted yes.
- Representative Stalker voted yes. Representative Whitten voted yes. Chair Flannery voted yes.
- Representative Stalker voted yes. Representative Whitten voted yes. Chair Flannery voted yes.
- ready for a vote all those in favor vote ready for a vote all those in favor vote I<00:13:18.240
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:15
Roll Call 00:25
HB 403 Discussion 02:11
HB 403 Vote 03:08
HB 555 Discussion 04:55
HB 555 Vote 08:42
HB 321 Discussion 10:55
HB 321 Vote 13:22
HB 18 Discussion 15:21
HB 18 Vote 35:10
HB 85 Discussion 39:08
HB 85 Vote 46:40
HB 371 Discussion 49:22
HB 371 Vote 52:03
Adjournment 53:48, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and took up several bills, mostly focused on local planning, zoning, and municipal administration. House Bill 403, a simple measure giving coroners a six-month grace period to complete continuing education, was presented by Rep. Deanna Gordon with testimony from Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelson and received unanimous support. House Bill 555, a technical bill affecting audit deadlines and flexibility for small cities and certain expo center audit arrangements, was explained by JD Cheney of the Kentucky League of Cities; he said it would help about 97 cities comply with audit requirements and allow more flexibility when municipalities are making good-faith efforts. The committee approved HB 555 on a roll call vote, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee and others in favor, and reported it favorably to the House floor.
House Bill 321, also presented with JD Cheney and Rep. DJ Johnson, would expand the time for planning commission and board of adjustment members to complete orientation and continuing education, with a focus on housing supply and accessibility. Supporters said it would help recruit more members and concentrate training on land-use impacts on housing; Rep. Roarx and others discussed Louisville Metro’s planning process, while Rep. Brown and Rep. Fleming raised concerns about infrastructure and long-range planning. The committee passed HB 321 favorably after roll call, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee.
House Bill 18 drew the most extended debate. Sponsor Rep. John Hodgson said the committee substitute would create incentives for infill development in urban areas and extend a moratorium on zoning district classification changes for two more years, arguing that local elected officials should have more control over major density changes and that unelected boards were approving projects without adequate infrastructure review. Opponents, including Liam Gallagher of Americans for Prosperity Kentucky and several members, argued the bill would restrict housing development, interfere with property rights, and limit Louisville Metro’s ability to update its Land Development Code; supporters countered that the bill would not stop development but would require elected officials to weigh in and address traffic and infrastructure concerns. After discussion, the committee approved HB 18 as amended by the substitute and reported it favorably to the House floor, with several members explaining their votes and some opposing the moratorium on local zoning changes.