Video & Transcript Research : 'voting'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes higher ed package that leaves $131 million aid shortfall unaddressed 5/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we vote on regions. we vote on regions.
- one vote. one vote.
- Vote no.
- Vote no.
- Please vote green. you. Please vote green.
Summary:
The House took up House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy bill, which the author described as a bipartisan agreement. Representative Wolgamott highlighted a $1.5 million appropriation to Minnesota State to create an identification verification system to combat “ghost students,” a one-time $5,000 appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University, and other noncontroversial recommendations from the Office of Higher Education. He urged support for the bill and noted that amendments would be considered.
The main debate centered on an amendment by Representative Rarick to change how University of Minnesota regents are selected if the legislature fails to elect them. Rarick argued the amendment would keep the governor from appointing regents outside the legislative vetting process and prevent “pay-to-play” or donor influence, citing recent gubernatorial appointments and campaign contributions. Representative Kotter offered a secondary amendment to require that any fallback appointees meet RCAC eligibility criteria and to bar candidates who had recently contributed to legislative caucuses or leadership; supporters said it would reduce the appearance of pay-to-play while preserving the RCAC process.
Opponents of the secondary amendment, including Representatives Robbins and others, argued it did not address the real concern because it did not restrict contributions to the governor and would weaken the legislature’s role in regent selection. Supporters of the secondary amendment said it was a more objective, statute-based approach and raised separation-of-powers concerns with the underlying amendment. After debate, the secondary amendment failed on a 67-67 tie and was not adopted. The House then continued discussion on the underlying Rarick amendment, with members divided over legislative authority, gubernatorial appointment power, and the influence of campaign donations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fattah votes I. >> Senator Fattah votes I. >> Senator Pappas votes I. >> Senator Pappas votes
- Senator Fateh votes I. >> Senator Pappas votes I. >> And Senator Port votes I.
- vote yes on this A2. vote yes on this A2.
- Senator Carlson votes aye. Senator Carlson votes aye. Senator Fatehi votes aye.
- Senator Fatehi votes aye. And Senator Port votes aye. Senator Port votes aye.
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and heard a prayer and pledge. The main legislative business was House amendments to Senate File 2511, the liquor bill authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses. Senators described it as a bipartisan “one-off” liquor bill with local provisions, including a St. Louis Park food hall license, Minneapolis food hall licenses, a Rochester Chateau Theater provision, expanded University of Minnesota liquor licensing flexibility, Brainerd’s Northern Pacific Center license, seasonal resort licensing, and a care-facility “granny happy hour” provision. Senator Wesenberg asked about a proposed 17-year-old server provision, and Senator Klein said it had been dropped and was never part of the Senate language.
The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 2511, advanced it to third reading, and passed it on final passage by a vote of 56 ayes to 10 nays. The chamber also adopted committee reports, took up a confirmation calendar item, and unanimously confirmed Joseph Sullivan to another six-year term on the Public Utilities Commission after Senator Frentz reported unanimous committee support and cited broad stakeholder backing.
On special orders, the Senate passed House File 3741, which modernizes educational assistance for children and spouses of prisoners of war and deceased veterans by moving coverage under the Minnesota GI Bill and increasing the benefit to $750; it passed 66-0. The Senate also passed Senate File 3622, a 97-page technical and conforming update to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act. Senator Kroon highlighted changes for small common-interest communities, insurance responsibility in mixed-use buildings, buyer disclosure, court-rule alignment, and lien priority definitions. An A2 amendment delayed the effective date of a separate 308C cooperative housing rewrite for one year to allow more consumer-protection work; after discussion involving Senators Kroon, Dibble, and Westrom, the amendment was adopted, and SF 3622 then passed 67-0. The Senate later adjourned until the following Wednesday.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- How to pre-register to vote.
- I call for a vote all in favor. Opposed. And I call for a vote all in favor.
- I'd like to look at previous votes of the past and those who have voted on this bill and the author of
- I'm sorry, no, we're not voting, sorry. Okay, backing up, Macedo, not voting? I thought we had.
- The electorate can vote yes or they can vote no. It's not a new concept.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate - New Member Swearing In - 6 January, 2026 ; 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- to vote for any measure or person as a means of influencing him or them to do so.
- for any measure or person >> to vote for any measure or person >> to<00:05:17.160>
vote - >> and I will not vote >> and I will not vote >> and<00:14:25.040>
I <00 - :14:25.120>
will <00:14:25.240>not <00:14:25.480>vote >> and I will not vote - for any measure or person >> to vote for any measure or person >> to<00:14:37.800>
vote
Summary:
The meeting was a ceremonial swearing-in for newly elected Mississippi senators, with family members and guests present for photos and congratulations after each oath. The presiding officer repeatedly administered the standard oath of office, which included pledges to support the U.S. and state constitutions, faithfully discharge legislative duties, and not vote based on promises from other legislators.
Senators Johnny DuPree, Don Harkness, Teresa Gillespie Eason, Kamasha B. Mumford, and Senator Pope were among those introduced and sworn in. The transcript is largely focused on the formal oath-taking, brief remarks of welcome, and photo opportunities, rather than legislative debate or policy discussion.
No bills were discussed, and no votes or substantive committee actions were taken in this segment.
NH
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Nava voting no, Senator Stewart voting no, Senator Trujillo voting no, Senator Stefanik voting
- Senator Cervantes voting no, Senator Pope voting no, Senator Maestas voting no, Senator Hickey voting
- Senator Jaramillo voting no, Senator Gonzalez voting no, Senator Muñoz voting no, Senator Hamblin voting
- Senator Thornton voting no. Senator Ramos voting no. Senator Rizal voting no.
- Senator Boone voting no. Senator Gallegos voting no. Senator Brandt voting no.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Apr 11, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, uh, for the vote, please. Thank you, chair. Voting on STR 88.
- Voting on SC139.
- Seeing none, chair for the vote.<00:36:55.520>
Voting <00:36:55.839>on vote. - Voting on vote. Voting on STR<00:36:57.880>
41. - Seeing none, chair for the vote. Thank you, chair. Voting on STR 56.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- bentura Senator a no Vice shair votes bentura Senator a no Vice shair votes no<00:05:26.880>
- Any no votes or reservations? No one. No vote for Senator W. The measure is adopted. Thank you.
- Any no votes or reservations? No one. No vote for Senator W. The measure is adopted. Thank you.
- Any no votes or reservations? No one. No vote for Senator W. The measure is adopted. Thank you.
- Are there any no votes or reservations? No. Vice Chair also votes no. The measure is not adopted.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a series of bills, mostly approving them with amendments. SB 1032 on campaign finance passed with amendments to change the certification process for business entities, add a severability-type provision if foreign-influence conditions are struck down, and note a related Minnesota federal case. SB 401 on firearms passed with amendments to exclude shotguns, grandfather legally registered devices in place as of the effective date, and add committee report findings; SB 382 on procurement confidentiality passed as is; SB 598 extending deadlines for administrative driver’s license revocation review decisions passed as is; SB 771 on HHFDC board leadership passed as is; and SB 1318 clarifying water pollution enforcement jurisdiction passed as is.
The committee also approved SB 1657 with an amendment removing authority to condemn public property, SB 1102 with an amendment making the Fire Council the source of nominees for the aircraft rescue fire fighting chief, and SB 100 with amendments replacing the original substance with a prohibition on fingerprinting nonprofit liquor-license board members during background checks and limiting the bill to counties under 500,000 population. SB 170 and SB 1296, both related to special management area exemptions for affordable housing and disaster-related reconstruction, passed with amendments incorporating Office of Planning, Sustainable Development, and Attorney General changes to narrow and clarify the exemptions.
Finally, SB 363, a cleanup bill related to firearm parts and ghost gun laws, was considered with amendments that deleted a proposed new penalty section, revised existing firearms statutes, removed an unnecessary definition, and expanded penalties to include indeterminate imprisonment terms. Despite the amendments, the measure was not adopted because the Vice Chair voted no. The committee then adjourned and announced a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- By the Constitution, overriding the veto requires a 2/3 vote of members present, and this vote must be
- So, just to confirm for members, a yes vote is a vote in favor of the bill and to override the veto and
- A no vote is a vote against the bill in A no vote is a vote against the bill in order to sustain the
- And I will be voting yes.
- There were 135 members present for the vote. 2/3 of that number is 90. Those voting yes, 83.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam President, I vote aye.
- Thank you, and I proudly vote aye.
- I proudly vote aye.
- Madam President, I vote aye.
- And I vote aye. >> Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 111 May 4th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd ask for a yes vote. vote. vote. >> Senator<02:55:56.479>
Weissman. - We ask for a no<02:57:51.279>
vote. no vote. no vote. - So, I urge and I<03:38:17.359>
vote. I vote. I vote. - So, I ask for an I<03:40:00.960>
vote. I vote. I vote. - for a no vote. for a no vote.
Summary:
The Senate came to order, established a quorum, and approved the journal. It then took up several introductions and resolutions, including House Bill 1139 on artificial intelligence in healthcare and House Bill 1263 on requirements for conversational AI services, both referred to the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee. The chamber also moved out of order to consider resolutions and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 25, recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Colorado Mining Association and its role in Colorado’s history and economy. The resolution passed 34-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1030, designating a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia. Supporters described the resolution as a tribute to the two Greeley Central High School student-athletes and to the community’s response after their 2014 deaths. The resolution passed 34-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
Later, the Senate considered a gubernatorial appointment to the Transportation Commission: Juan Marano of Aurora, to represent the Third Transportation District. The appointment was confirmed on a 19-16 vote. The chamber then took up the third-reading consent calendar and passed House Bill 1235 on medical assistance updates, House Bill 1299 on reducing regulatory burdens on local education providers, and Senate Bill 175 on workers’ compensation experience modification factors. House Bill 1235 passed 31-4, House Bill 1299 passed 35-0, and Senate Bill 175 passed without recorded opposition.
On final passage, the Senate adopted a technical third-reading amendment to House Bill 113 on election law changes, then passed the bill 23-12 after debate over election-related vulnerabilities. It also passed House Bill 1346, allowing the Department of the Treasury to sell unsold insurance premium tax credits to non-insurance entities, by 23-12; House Bill 1252, updating state entities responsible for emergency response, by 33-2; House Bill 1010, increasing support for older adults in the workforce, by 23-12; and Senate Bill 177, concerning limited access to adjoining property for repairs, after extended debate in which Senator Kirkmeyer argued the measure infringed on private property rights and should be rejected.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:14.880>
to <00:38:15.080>vote <00:38:15.440>out ability by vote to vote - Kahele for the vote. >> Voting on HCR 193 and HR 183.
- I know the votes they have the votes.
- . vote. vote.
- >> No<01:42:27.480>
vote. >> No vote. >> No vote.
Summary:
The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion.
The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments.
The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 Apr 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any no votes?
- With<00:37:22.040>
a <00:37:22.560>vote <00:37:23.120>of With a vote of With a vote - Are there any no votes? Whole report. Are there any no votes?
- an eye vote. an eye vote. Senator<00:55:04.840>
Benavidez. - Are there any no<01:01:48.920>
votes? no votes? no votes?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary.
On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training.
The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to bring up SF856 on House Floor 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- know who you votes who voted yes, you know who you find?
- I voted for the bill before I voted against the bill.
- I voted for the bill before I voted against the bill.
- before I voted I voted for the bill before I voted against<00:17:26.040>
the <00:17:26.120> - Rush to a vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- vice chair for the vote. vice chair for the vote.
- Voting<01:38:11.840>
on <01:38:12.600>2446 Voting on 2446 Voting on 2446 SB<01:38:14.160 - there any voting no? there any voting no?
- So I will be voting<01:42:58.120>
no. <01:42:58.560>Okay. voting no. Okay. voting no. - Are there any voting no? Are there any voting no?
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared.
On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered.
The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system.
Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-27 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If all senators voted, all senators voted.
- We'll proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Have all senators voted?
- Will unlock the board and the senators will proceed to vote. All members voted, all senators voted.
- Members will proceed to vote. Have all members voted?
- All senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care.
The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery.
Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- voice vote.
- vote?
- Senator Gallegos voting no. Senator Townsend voting no. Senator Ell voting no.
- Senator Boone voting no. Senator Ramos voting no. Senator Paul voting no.
- Senator Thornton voting no. Senator Brand voting no.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, I request a roll call vote, and I also request a roll call vote.” “Okay.
- Vote yes. Vice Chair Carter, Mr. Chair, may I explain my vote, please?
- aye. ...that I vote no.
- Chair, may I explain my vote, please? Mr. Chair, may I explain my vote? Please.
- I vote no. Representative Austin: Mr. Chair, I'd like to explain my vote, please.
Keywords:
corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, immigration enforcement, law enforcement, illegal aliens, state legislation, civil penalties, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement first heard SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund in fiscal year 2027 to help administer the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Supporters, including Justice Action Network and a family member who described the death of her son after severe mental health and jail-care failures, argued the office is needed to provide accountability, transparency, and a check on systemic problems in the Department of Corrections. Representative Blackman strongly backed the measure, saying the oversight office would help address lawsuits, staffing shortages, mental health issues, and the state’s federal receivership. The committee approved SB 1032 on a 14-0 vote with one absent, giving it a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1107, which creates an alternative certification pathway for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who served as military police to become Arizona peace officers through an abbreviated training process that credits military training and experience. There was no sponsor present and no opposition testimony. Members discussed whether the bill would include equivalent military law enforcement roles from all branches, and staff indicated the bill is intended to track Department of Defense training standards. The bill received broad support as a way to help fill public safety staffing shortages, though one member voted no over concerns about applicants with prior misconduct elsewhere. SB 1107 passed 11-1, with two present and one absent, and received a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1055, which requires law enforcement to immediately notify ICE or CBP when an arrested person is unlawfully present in the United States. Supporters said the bill would strengthen cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and help ensure people are not released before federal authorities can act. Opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona and several community speakers, argued it would undermine trust in law enforcement, chill crime reporting, create due process and constitutional concerns, and impose unfunded compliance burdens on local agencies; one speaker also raised concerns about impacts on Indigenous people and families dealing with mental illness crises. A strike-everything amendment offered by Representative Cruz would have replaced the bill with a restriction on DOC inmate telephone contracts so the department could not profit beyond operating costs, but the committee rejected that amendment 6-8. The committee then approved the underlying SB 1055 on an 8-6 vote with one absent, giving it a do pass recommendation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, and we can vote this vote on this. Okay members, we are voting.
- Okay, and we can vote this vote on Yes. Okay, and we can vote this vote on this.
- Okay members, we are voting. Okay members, we are voting.
- Okay, vote.
- No vote.
Bills:
HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32
Keywords:
vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those prepared to vote on the motion.
- Colleagues, I urge you to join me in voting down. Voting In voting down, voting no.
- The reason why I cannot vote for this bill today, Friend President Gates because I can't vote for this
- conscience and vote as we will.
- Secretary, I won't like the board and Senator proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D / House Bill 1D, which would establish Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Sen. Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a redistricting plan two days earlier and argued that mid-decade redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based districting is unconstitutional. Much of the floor time was spent in extended questioning about the process, the lack of public hearings compared with prior redistricting cycles, the use of population estimates from the Census/EDR/ACS, compactness scores, and whether the Governor’s office used partisan data or outside consultants. Gates repeatedly said he was relaying the Governor’s proposal and legal theory rather than offering his own legal opinion, and he said any constitutional challenge would be for the courts.
A major portion of the debate focused on the U.S. Supreme Court’s newly issued Calais decision and its implications for the Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators questioned whether the decision struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, whether it affected Florida’s constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering, and whether the Legislature should postpone action to review the ruling. A motion to temporarily postpone the bill failed by voice vote and then by recorded vote, 12 yeas to 23 nays. Senators also raised concerns that the proposed map cracked minority communities, including Latino and Black populations in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, and that it would produce a heavily Republican-leaning map despite the state’s voter registration mix.
After debate on the Senate bill, the chamber substituted the identical House companion bill, read it a third time, and proceeded to final debate. Opponents argued the map was an illegal partisan gerrymander, was based on assumptions rather than verified data, and would likely lead to litigation. Supporters maintained that the Governor had authority to propose a congressional map, that the plan was race-neutral, and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The transcript ends during continued debate on House Bill 1D, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.