Video & Transcript Research : 'electronic voting'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Garcia voting aye. Show Ms. Schaffner voting aye. Have all voted?
- Barry voting aye. Have all voted?
- Wiener voting aye. Have all members voted? Show Mr. Hayes voting aye. Have all members voted?
- Have all members voted? Have all members voted? Members voted.
- Romero voting aye, Dr. Oliverson voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
Bills:
HB2293, HB2694, HB2999, HB3694, HB3254, HB4662, HB5629, HB5632, HB5675, HB5664, HB5671, HB5680, HB5682, HB5693, HB4158, HB5695, HB4669, HB5696, HB5698, HB5677, HB5699, HB5694, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR89, HCR111, HCR142, HR868, SB682, SB1351, SB1895, SB1931, SB2141, SB3044, SCR1, SCR6, SCR37, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HB75, HB5354, HB4683, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB265, HB1845, HB 108, HB1960, HB1955, HB2512, HB2581, HB2803, HB1738, HB636, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB3679, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2658, HB2757, HB2080, HB3063, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3520, HB3178, HB158, HB2060, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2234, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB4630, HB4924, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5520, SB1177, SB1559, SB746, SB434, SB1383, SB1214, SB1079, SB3031, SB2141, SB2185, SB1895, SB1241, SB901, SB1883, SB552, HB 1249, HJR218, HB5623, SB687, SB1332, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB3037
Keywords:
Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors, local governance, elections, healthcare administration, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, vacancies, resignation, hydrogen vehicles, weight limitations, transportation, environmental impact, clean energy, deep fake, intimate depictions, consent, digital media, criminal penalties, State Board of Education
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations - 02/10/2026
Investigations And Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Absent you showing up, Senator Bottcher, we were going to read the vote tallies from the sheets that
- the Tax Law in relation to authorizing distributors of cannabis products to file annual returns electronically
- the tax law in relation to authorizing distributors of cannabis products to file annual returns electronically
Summary:
The committee met with a light attendance and acknowledged committee members, clerk Joyce Andrea, and central staff from IGO and finance. The chair noted an 18-bill agenda, with 17 repasses and one new bill, S.8555, described as a local tax extender for Suffolk County that had been overlooked the prior year. Once three members were present, the committee proceeded with normal motions and seconds.
The agenda included a range of measures on alcohol and cannabis regulation, public officers law, executive law, tax law, state law, and highway naming. Bills reported included S.315 on a temporary New York craft beverage permit, S.349 on expanding the definition of agency, S.566 on Address Confidentiality Program eligibility for election officials, S.1130 on renter protections tied to housing subsidies or public assistance, S.1787 on a veteran suicide awareness flag, S.2640 on including veterans in the definition of military status for discrimination purposes, and several cannabis-related bills including S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.6283. S.1418A, concerning attorney’s fees in certain proceedings, was referred to finance.
Most bills were reported unanimously, though several had one nay or one without recommendation, including S.2271, S.234, S.2447, S.3261, S.5277, S.6181, and S.8555. The committee also reported S.2364 designating the Honor and Remember flag as an official state flag, S.55 renaming a highway in New York City, and S.8276 regarding qualifications for an assistant county attorney in Rockland County. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noting the committee would meet again in a few weeks.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20.
- Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as five-minute votes.
- >
will <01:14:04.480>be The first electronic vote will be The first electronic vote will - Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote. [Music] Heat. Heat.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Question for the vote? Voting on House Bill 2427. Voting on House Bill 2427.
- Chair and vice chair vote: I. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
- Chair and vice chair vote: I. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting no?
- Chair and vice chair vote: I. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
- Chair and vice chair vote: I. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2185, which would add protections for sports officials. The Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, HSTA, HGA, school administrators, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, the Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association, and several individuals testified in support. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and recommended amendments, especially on the bill’s civil-action provisions and criminal language, saying the measure should be made more consistent and narrowed to clarify who is covered. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the increased criminal penalties but said its concerns were limited to that portion of the bill. The chair repeatedly noted the committee’s education-policy focus and limited discussion of legal issues.
The committee then took up HB 2621 on student misconduct. The Department of Education testified and answered questions about its student discipline data, explaining that much of the information is kept in the department’s internal Infinite Campus system and is not public, but that some additional information could be added to the annual report while still protecting student privacy. Members discussed whether the department tracks incidents consistently across schools and whether more public reporting would help identify where violence or discipline issues are occurring. The department said it was not seeing an increase in suspensions in the data it had, though it acknowledged internal data showed more detail than the annual report.
HB 2179, concerning DOE and e-pipes, drew comments from the Department of Education, support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and other individuals. The committee then heard HB 2534, which would recognize robotics in schools as an interscholastic sport. The Department of Education offered comments, the State Public Charter School Commission supported the bill, and multiple students and robotics participants testified in strong support, arguing that robotics provides STEM opportunities, competition, and career pathways, and that formal recognition and funding would help sustain teams and compensate mentors. No votes or final actions were taken on the bills in the portion of the meeting provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices.
- To Senator Lake, this is a very good bill that I voted for and will continue to vote for, but taking
- By your vote, SB 8 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, SB 952 is reported favorably.
- I will be voting no today.
Summary:
The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct.
Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment.
Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
Transcript Highlights:
- I, you see, I voted present in committee.
- Madam Chair, Representative Aguilar, they did not in the SCR, but there was another bill which you all voted
- Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1110, home confinement eligibility electronic monitoring, establishes
- SB 1110, home confinement eligibility electronic monitoring, establishes the home confinement program
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Members and guests in the audience, please make sure that all electronic devices are turned off or on
- Members and guests in the audience, please make sure that all electronic devices are turned off or on
- about taking money away from affordable housing projects that many of us in this room specifically voted
- So by your vote, the bill passes and will be reported favorably.
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to consider its recommended fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and a conforming committee bill. Chair Shove presented an $18.5 billion TED budget, describing it as about 8.5% below the prior year’s TED budget and emphasizing recurring savings, reductions to vacant positions over 90 days old, and a focus on core agency needs. He highlighted funding for economic development, Visit Florida, Space Florida, affordable housing programs, military affairs, libraries, cultural and historic preservation grants, emergency management, and a $14.1 billion transportation work program.
The committee then took up PCB TED 2501, which changes documentary stamp tax distributions by redirecting certain revenues to general revenue. The bill would reinstate the general revenue service charge on the supplemental housing-related dock stamp revenue, eliminating a recurring $150 million source for the State Housing Trust Fund, and would also redirect about $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund to general revenue. Chair Shove said the measure has no net zero fiscal impact on state revenues and does not alter the longstanding standard dock stamp funding for affordable housing or eliminate FDOT programs, arguing the bill preserves flexibility for future legislatures.
Public testimony was split. Representatives from the Florida Transportation Builders Association and the Florida Public Transportation Association warned that the transportation trust fund reduction would significantly affect FDOT’s five-year work program, especially the Strategic Intermodal System, and could reduce planned capacity improvements and transit funding. Several members also raised concerns about the housing-related changes, arguing the bill undercuts commitments made through the Live Local framework and could weaken affordable housing efforts. In closing, Chair Shove defended the bill as a necessary tightening of recurring spending and said existing affordable housing and transportation programs would still be funded through other appropriations. The committee approved PCB TED 2501 on a 10-2 vote and reported it favorably before adjourning.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- And today, in a world of electronic prescriptions, the drugstore pays for the electronic prescriptions
- If we are forced to close our doors, please vote... ...forced to close our doors.
- Vote yes today to... ...to be affected.
- Vote yes today to build 252 as is so that practitioners like myself will thank you.
- I'm happy to vote for it. Thank you, Senator Smith.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't have a problem voting to have you confirmed.
- to to have you problem voting to have you confirmed.
- So I think the success of voting on the largest solar and storage project, I think the success of voting
- We respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you. Next.
- I move that we send this nomination to the full Senate for a vote.
Summary:
The committee first handled several governor’s appointments not required to appear, approving Anthony Surich to lead the California Housing Finance Agency, Craig Snelling to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, and the referral of bills to committees, each by 4-0 votes. It then heard testimony on the appointment of Jereen DiDamo to the State Water Resources Control Board. DiDamo highlighted priorities including water-use efficiency, SGMA implementation, groundwater recharge, ecosystem restoration, and expanding safe drinking water access, noting the number of Californians without safe drinking water had fallen from 1.6 million to 800,000 since 2019. Senators focused heavily on the safe drinking water program, consolidation of failing systems, funding, domestic wells, SGMA, and the Bay-Delta plan. Supporters praised her practical, collaborative approach and work on drinking water; opponents from environmental and tribal groups argued the board had favored agricultural and urban interests and had not acted quickly enough to protect the Delta and fisheries. The committee ultimately voted 4-0 to advance the appointment to the full Senate.
After a brief recess, the committee took up the appointment of Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission. Gunda said California is managing three major transitions at once—decarbonizing the grid, electrifying transportation and buildings, and winding down petroleum and natural gas—and emphasized planning, transparency, and coordination across agencies and the West. Senators questioned him about Kern Energy and the impact of refinery compliance burdens, the state’s transportation fuels plan, Diablo Canyon, fuel imports, and affordability. Gunda said the Energy Commission has supported exemptions or potential exemptions for small refineries, that current planning assumes Diablo Canyon retires in 2030 without creating reliability problems if new resources continue to come online, and that most new capacity has been storage and solar. He also said California still imports a significant share of crude and refined products, with costs affected by global markets and shipping. The committee approved his appointment 4-0 to move to the full Senate.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
- Pursuant to clause nine of rule 20, remaining to clause nine of rule 20, remaining electronic votes will
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote. Heat.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote. Okay.
- This week's vote is...
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Some halls have electronic tablet machines, as we said.
- Some halls have electronic tablet machines, as we said.
- Some halls have electronic tablet machines, as we said.
- Some halls have electronic tablet machines, as we said.
- You know, but they also put those electronic pull-tab machines in half their hall.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/17/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:47.599>
it such format may said to be electronic it such format may said to be electronic - cost, and uncertainty to the voting cost, and uncertainty to the voting process,<01:11:41.280>
- vote.
- Voting should never their right to vote.
- But it people in being able to vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes funding for a statewide electronic attendance record system for the child care assistance
- This includes funding for a statewide electronic attendance record system for the child care assistance
- funding for a Statewide electronic funding for a Statewide electronic attendance<00:03:25.920>
like that to a completely electronic like that to a completely electronic platform<00:21:37.760> - Seeing none, he called for a vote. Those in favor said aye; those opposed said no.
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- If everyone would please silence all of their electronic devices, as anyone wishing to speak before the
- If everyone would please silence all of their electronic devices, anyone wishing to speak before the
- By your vote, CS for SB 184 will be reported favorably. Thank you, Senator Gates. Thank you, Mr.
- Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today? Okay.
- Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today?
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs heard three measures. First, SB 184 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas, with exceptions for planned unit developments and master-planned communities. The bill and its amendments were discussed at length, including parking restrictions, homestead exemption treatment, short-term rental concerns, impact and mobility fees, pre-approved designs, manufactured ADUs, and an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing and tiny homes. Testimony from the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about parking, short-term rentals, and fee parity, while several senators supported the concept but asked for further refinement. The committee adopted the amendments and reported CS for SB 184 favorably.
The committee then took up SB 118 by Senator Brodeur, which preempts regulation of presidential libraries to the state and defers regulation to the federal government, with the stated purpose of preventing local governments from imposing obstacles to a future presidential library in Florida. There was no debate or public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SPB 7704, a proposed committee bill to repeal the sunset date on a public records exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information of applicants or participants in disaster-related housing assistance programs held by state and local housing entities. With no questions, debate, or public testimony, the committee approved the motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Mar 19th, 2025
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Feb 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, and as an administrative reminder, please silence all electronic devices.
- Please silence all electronic devices. I'm doing mine as well.
- Florida law requires each local governmental entity to submit an annual financial report, which is an electronic
- Seeing none, Janine, will you please call the roll for a voice vote? Thank you. Senator Brodeur?
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee heard the Auditor General’s operational audit of the City of Mexico Beach, which identified nine findings. The audit cited significant turnover in key management positions, late filing of required annual financial reports, weaknesses in competitive procurement and purchase approval controls, a duplicate payment on stormwater repairs that was later largely refunded, issues with the city accountant’s contract and IRS classification, IT access control problems, and the lack of fraud-reporting policies. Committee members asked about corrective action, and the Auditor General said a follow-up audit is required by statute within 18 months, with no enforcement authority beyond reporting progress back to the committee.
Mayor Rich Wolf and city staff responded that the city had experienced major turnover and was rebuilding its finance and administrative team. He said the city had hired a city administrator, financial director, city clerk, and accounting firm, and was working to create policies, procedures, forms, and review processes to address the findings. Members discussed whether the turnover and hurricane-related workload contributed to the problems, and city officials said some of the larger purchases were storm-related and tied to FEMA or emergency work.
The committee then received a staff update on enforcement for local governments that have not filed required financial reports. Staff said 400 entities had been notified, and as of the meeting two counties, 33 municipalities, and 48 special districts still owed reports or audits. The committee adopted a motion to proceed under section 11.42, Florida Statutes, including possible withholding of state funds for municipalities and enforcement actions for special districts, with authority for the chair and vice chair to delay action if new information warranted it.
Finally, the committee unanimously directed the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required 2024-2025 audit of the Department of the Lottery, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance issues and OPPAGA developing operational recommendations. Members also briefly discussed whether the committee had reviewed transportation surtaxes and expressed interest in improving the timeliness and transparency of the audit and enforcement process before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- we focus on worker co-ops, businesses owned and governed by employees, operating on one worker, one vote
- c><00:03:59.320>
much <00:03:59.560>they've vote, no matter how much they've vote, no matter - you get a good vote. you get a good vote.
- employer prohibitions for the electronic employer prohibitions for the electronic monitoring<01:
- <01:16:43.480>
mon- these being used for electronic mon- these being used for electronic mon
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Record a vote by a vote of 19 ayes, 10 nays, and 1 not voting. House Bill 2105 has passed.
- I vote no.
- I vote yes. Senator Sundareshan votes aye. Have you all voted?
- I vote no. There, I've seen votes no. Senator Sears, I rise to explain my vote.
- Secretary, record the vote: we have a vote of 18 ayes, 11 nays, and one not voting.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended.
The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended.
In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote no.
- I vote yes. Senator Sundareshan votes aye. Have you all voted?
- We vote no, Senator Epstein. I rise to explain my vote. Please. We vote no, Senator Epstein.
- I vote no. There I've seen votes no. Senator Sears. I rise to explain my vote.
- Secretary, record the vote. We have a vote of 18 ayes, 11 nays, and one not voting.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force 2025 (10-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:40:42.560>
health <00:40:42.800>record know that their electronic health record - know that their electronic health record already<00:40:43.440>
had <00:40:43.599>it <00 - <01:23:39.040>
And <01:23:39.280>I unlawful in an electronic sense. - And I unlawful in an electronic sense. And I agree<01:23:39.679>
with <01:23:39.840>that. - Um that way if to take votes on that.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.”
The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.