Video & Transcript Research : 'sample ballots'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - African American Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- So make it your responsibility to make sure our children know what's on the ballot, why it's on the ballot
Summary:
The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work.
Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations.
Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- APA, for programs funded by Proposition 4, approved by the voters overwhelmingly and placed on the ballot
- Proposition 4 was approved by the voters overwhelmingly and placed on the ballot by the Legislature in
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring.
The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Harris County Ballot Security Department and a former Harris County employee under Tax Assessor-Collector
- Since then, being in Harris County under ballot security, I can name numerous cases where we have collected
Keywords:
SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1065, which would require government property contracts to prohibit contractors from barring licensed handgun holders from carrying firearms on leased or owned public property, with civil penalties and attorney general enforcement for violations. Senator Hall and invited witnesses from the Texas State Rifle Association, NRA, and Texas Gun Rights argued the bill would close a loophole exposed by the State Fair of Texas gun ban and protect law-abiding Texans’ self-defense rights. Opponents, including Moms Demand Action/Everytown, said the bill would undermine event organizers’ ability to set site-specific safety rules and could increase liability and insurance costs. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending.
The committee next took up Senate Bill 2742, which would create civil penalties for independent school districts and officials who use public resources for electioneering, waive immunity defenses, and expand attorney general enforcement. Senator Hagan-Bood said current law bans the conduct but lacks meaningful penalties, making injunctions the only remedy. No public testimony was heard, and the bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2743, also by Senator Hagan-Bood, which would allow a court to disqualify local prosecutors who refuse to prosecute election offenses and appoint the attorney general to handle the case, with a committee substitute adjusting the removal process through an adjacent-county judge. Opponents from the Texas Civil Rights Project argued the bill would undermine prosecutorial discretion and was vague and open to abuse, while a Harris County election official described past instances where alleged voter fraud cases were not pursued. After testimony, public comment was closed and SB 2743 was left pending.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 10th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- authorized to. in the account mentioned above, or order the question of disillusion to be placed on the ballot
- House Bill 467 permits the county judges to place a dis- lose an election, on the ballot, and if approved
Keywords:
hospital district, Cedar Creek, scholarship, dissolution, county judges, healthcare funding, grant program, rural counties, law enforcement, sheriff's departments, funding, public safety, deputy shortages, sheriff, prosecutor, salary assistance, HB 198, Wade Cannon Act, firefighter cancer screening, occupational cancer screening
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Those include an air monitor, which collects the samples; a contractor, a worker, an inspector, a planner
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ explained that it licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses under federal and state law, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners, designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers. Members asked about the continued presence of asbestos in modern products, the status of the program’s grant fund, and why program expenses were expected to rise; DEQ said grants have not been issued in more than six years because revenues have not left a surplus, and the higher expenses reflect a reallocation of inspector salaries to the fund that supports the program. DEQ also described complaint-driven inspections, enforcement tools such as civil penalties and notices of violation, and the health risks of exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection.
The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The commission outlined its standards, compliance, decertification, basic academy, advanced training, and jail standards functions, and said it operates three basic academies in Camden, Benton-Bryant, and Springdale. Members asked about recruitment and retention, academy capacity, training hours, and costs to local agencies; the commission said attendance costs counties nothing because the state funds the academies, and that basic training is being expanded to 705 hours with a greater emphasis on practical instruction. The commission also described separate training for detention officers and school resource officers, and said law enforcement divisions in other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are held to the same standards. It noted that most academy attendance requires agency hiring first, though a veterans-to-law-enforcement program allows some veterans to attend on their own and later seek employment. This report also was accepted without objection.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Those include an air monitor, which collects the samples; a contractor; a worker; an inspector; a planner
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ officials explained that the program licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners/designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers, under federal and state requirements. Members asked about asbestos use today, grant funding for removal, inspections funded by fees and fines, complaint handling, enforcement authority, and health risks. DEQ said some asbestos-containing products are still manufactured, grants have not been issued in over six years due to funding constraints, inspectors investigate complaints and can issue civil penalties or other enforcement actions, and exposure can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection.
The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Officials described the agency’s standards and training divisions, three basic academies, advanced training, and jail standards training. Members asked about recruitment, academy capacity, training costs, and curriculum changes. The commission said recruitment and retention are improving, basic academy enrollment is around 700 per year with capacity for about 725 to 750, training costs counties nothing because the state funds it, and basic training is being expanded from 528 hours to 705 hours with more practical instruction based on input from chiefs and sheriffs.
Questions also covered detention officer training, school resource officer training, and whether other agencies are subject to the same standards. Officials said detention officers receive separate training, school resource officers have standalone training approved by the commission, and other law enforcement divisions such as the Department of Agriculture are held to the same standards. They also noted a Veterans to Law Enforcement program that allows eligible veterans to attend the academy without first being hired by an agency, with GI Bill support. The report was accepted without objection, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jun 4th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- review the insurance policies and procedures related to reporting of insurance claims and then audit a sample
Summary:
At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements.
The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature.
An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Children and Youth Health Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Children and Youth Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I asked the owner to show me some of his inventory, to show me some of his samples, and it was right
Bills:
SB274
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So anybody who would provide this type of insurance and I. can get you I have kind of a sample that Blue
Keywords:
health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The 1% funds are our funding source for everything we do, and just a sample of which you see on the slide
Summary:
The committee met for the second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. After a quorum was confirmed, members heard a presentation from Melissa Brewer of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, along with Olivia Atkins of Kentucky State Parks and Commissioner Mike Manet of the Kentucky Department of Tourism.
The presentation focused on the state’s 1% tourism meeting and convention marketing fund and the broader role of tourism in Kentucky’s economy. Brewer explained that the fund is used only for marketing and promoting tourism-related activities, cannot be used for capital or construction projects, and must be reported annually to the governor and LRC. She said the Governor’s budget and enacted budget increased appropriations in response to growing transient room tax receipts, adding $3 million in FY 2025 and $7 million in FY 2026, and noted legislative support for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative.
Manet emphasized that tourism marketing drives overnight visitation, local spending, jobs, and economic development, and described the 1% fund as the source for marketing, advertising, website development, public relations, international and group sales, trade shows, research, and regional matching funds. He highlighted efforts to secure media coverage and said the matching funds program distributed $2 million last year to 87 local tourism commissions across the state. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Well, on-premise license can give away free samples. >> Yes.
- premise license can give away >> Well, on premise license can give away free<00:18:36.480>
samples - free samples. free samples.
- 20.960>
random nonprofits to kind of test some random nonprofits to kind of test some random sample - sample of products out there. sample of products out there. >> Well,<03:35:24.000>
no.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- candidates packs as well as ballot candidates packs as well as ballot referendums within the state of
- also closes a loophole of law and it also closes a loophole of foreign nationals contributing to ballot
- foreign nationals contributing to ballot foreign nationals contributing to ballot referendums or constitution
- Well, there's been occurrences uh that again through ballot occurrences uh that again through ballot
- occurrences uh that again through ballot referendums, it's been unknowingly.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And debate on amendments to protect access to the ballot box, the foundation of our democracy.
- <02:46:52.479>
the amendments to protect access to the amendments to protect access to the ballot - box. the foundation of our ballot box. the foundation of our democracy.<02:46:55.520>
They <02 - council, the State Board of Education, attorney general, advisory neighborhood commissioner, and ballot
- In my opinion, I think it's absolutely nuts that we protect our beer more than we protect our ballots
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/05/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- So in total, it was a sample of 11,000 people, and it was nationally representative.
- Densley can provide that. over sampled for motans a thousand over sampled for motans a thousand motans
- total<01:29:05.000>
it <01:29:05.080>was <01:29:05.199>a <01:29:05.320>sample - <01:29:05.679>
of motans so in total it was a sample of motans so in total it was a sample
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- staffing levels will allow us to do more industry-focused audits while still kind of meeting the overall sample
- staffing levels will allow us to do more industry-focused audits while still kind of meeting the overall sample
- while still kind of meeting<00:29:08.200>
the <00:29:08.399>overall <00:29:08.840>sample - ><00:29:09.279>
size <00:29:09.720>and <00:29:10.080>and meeting the overall sample - size and and meeting the overall sample size and and requirements<00:29:10.840>
that <00:29:11.039
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- factor of 100 or 300, initially think about past where you have to test twice a year for $2 to $500 a sample
- have to test twice a year for $2 to $500 have to test twice a year for $2 to $500 a<04:16:58.960>
sample - 00.279>
needing <04:17:00.560>to <04:17:00.720>get <04:17:00.840>into a sample - again needing to get into a sample again needing to get into everyone's<04:17:01.640>
home <04 - a well on this side and a well on this side of the system and separate treatment systems, you're sampling
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements.
Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities.
Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 4th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Postal Service postmarks and their effect on mail-in ballots, directs the Secretary of State to evaluate
- the adequacy of mail-in ballot dropbox placement and usage, and appropriates $100,000.
- The Secretary of State is to evaluate the adequacy of mail-in ballot dropbox placement and usage, and
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- both passed out last session but were vetoed by the governor, which is why they have returned as ballot
- both passed out last session but were vetoed by the governor, which is why they have returned as ballot
- The legislature should exercise restraint with the number of referrals we're sending to the ballot.
Summary:
The Education Committee began with a lengthy presentation from Dr. Victoria Dyson Homer on the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. She argued that Arizona faces a teacher shortage and high attrition, with many teachers uncertified or leaving early, and said research shows high-quality, practice-based residencies improve retention, teacher confidence, and student outcomes. She compared Arizona with Texas, described Arizona Teacher Residency’s structure as a year-long apprenticeship paired with coursework and mentorship, and said the program’s early data show strong retention and positive student feedback. Committee members asked about how the residency differs from traditional student teaching, its master’s-degree structure, and whether it should influence broader teacher-preparation and salary policies.
The committee then heard and debated SCR 1006, a ballot referral dealing with school restroom and pronoun policies. The measure would require schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students unwilling or unable to use sex-designated multi-occupancy restrooms or sleeping quarters, and would bar school employees from using pronouns or names inconsistent with a student’s biological sex without written parental permission. The sponsor framed it as a parental-rights and student-safety measure, while opponents from education, civil liberties, and mental health backgrounds called it discriminatory, unnecessary, and harmful to transgender and non-binary students. After public testimony and member debate, the committee approved SCR 1006 on a 7-5 vote.
The committee also considered SB 1126, which would require schools to provide certain student records and related information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers during abuse or neglect investigations and would prohibit schools from blocking staff from speaking directly with DCS. DCS testified neutrally, saying the bill could help resolve delays and improve information sharing, while members raised FERPA and guardianship concerns. The bill passed 10-0 with two members present.
Finally, the committee took up SB 1210, which requires certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions offering fully online programs to Arizona residents to register with the state’s private postsecondary regulator and comply with tuition recovery fund requirements unless covered by reciprocity. Supporters said the bill closes a regulatory loophole and protects students financially; it passed 11-1. The committee then adjourned.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 029 Feb 12th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Childhood was formed in conflict with the express will of the people, which he said was reflected in 2020 ballot
- The ayes have it, and the committee will rise and report. ballot measure EE that taxed tobacco in ballot
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 10, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The Finance Committee recommended confirmation of four appointments to the Advisory Committee on Governmental Accounting. It also reported Senate Bill 42 with amendments and favorable recommendation to Appropriations, while the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee recommended postponing Senate Bill 30 indefinitely.
The chamber then took up a personal-privilege segment recognizing physician associates and honoring Susan G. Komen and breast cancer awareness. Senators Michaelson Jenet and Frizell spoke about the importance of breast cancer research and treatment, and Frizell shared a personal reflection on her own cancer journey. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 10, celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 and Colorado’s Asian-American communities, by a vote of 32-0.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 64, concerning the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program, by a vote of 30-2, and Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities and hiring preferences, by a vote of 29-3. Senate Bill 13, concerning cohabitation as a means to commit bigamy, also passed on third reading by a vote of 27-5. In Committee of the Whole, Senate Bill 19, which would combine early childhood councils and local coordinating organizations and add accountability requirements, was amended and advanced on second reading; the committee report was then adopted 33-0, and the bill was ordered engrossed for third reading. The Senate later recessed until 11:30 a.m.