Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:09.120> election the governor can call a special election the governor can call a special
• to do that with through a special to do that with through a special election. election. election
• <00:12:55.880> elections that allows us to hold special elections that allows us to hold special
• <00:19:12.813> [music] primary election and it's only [music] primary election and it's only
• Primary elections are the election.

Bills: SB1

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• essentially a special election in uh, essentially a special election in uh, essentially Senate<00
• To begin setting contingency primary To begin setting contingency primary election<00:18:14.400>
• There is a primary portion of the election, then there is the general election.
• On page three of the bill, line 66, it says the state shall hold a new special primary election for the
• > the a new special primary election for the a new special primary election for the affected<00

Bills: SB1

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 923

Transcript Highlights:

• I I bragged when we left the special I I bragged when we left the special session<00:15:45.120><
• So this bill makes it a mandate under certain parameters that we would have to have another special election
• <00:17:29.480> um have to have a um another special um have to have a um another special um
• election. election. election.
• <00:25:58.000> laws make any changes to any uh election laws make any changes to any uh election

Bills: HB1

Keywords: HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race

Transcript Highlights:

• Harper. >> House Bill 1 by Representative Pringle, election special primary election for redistricting
• >> House Bill 1 by Representative Pringle, election special primary election for redistricting certain
• for special election. for special election.
• special election. special election.
• special election. special election.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race

Transcript Highlights:

• to have an election a day after all of that.
• So, the current law would place that election...
• Everything's based on... ...so many days prior to the election.
• So that day, the requested primary runoff day would not be impacted.
• Was the primary last May, wasn't it the... ...the primary last May, wasn't it?

Bills: HB258, HB308, HB258, HB308

Keywords: primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, elections, voter registration, publishing requirements, cost-saving

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh primaries on non-presidential years. Uh primaries on non-presidential years.
• was going to cost because the primary was going to cost because the primary date was following the day
• , and right now it's at midnight election, and right now it's at midnight election, and right now it's
• You have to call a special meeting to to sit have to call a special meeting to to sit have to call a
• special meeting to to sit down and do this.

Bills: HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270, HB258, HB324, HB333, SB270

Keywords: primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government

Bills: HB117, HB228, HB250, HB260, HB393, HB400, HB446, HB534, HB551, HB576, HB842

Keywords: Department of State, statutory entities, re-creation, termination, Louisiana laws, Department of State Civil Service, Louisiana legislation, government re-creation, authority termination, financial disclosure, public servants, ethics, immediate family, transparency, legislators, transportation, foreign travel, cultural exchange, public service, HB393

Transcript Highlights:

• and general elections at least 14 days before an election rather than 11 days before an election in
• and general elections at least 14 days before an election rather than 11 days before an election in
• that the election precincts are designated.
• In the 2024 election, they were running errands in Gallup, New Mexico, on Election Day, and it just so
• Some chapters do use the state elections and the county elections.

Bills: HB2006, HB2085, HB2109, HB2167, HB2205, HB2410, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 210 clarifies the number of election commissioners that may serve for the primary and general
• elections for the party primary offices and the fall general election in congressional election years
• for that election and unaffiliated voters participating in the party primaries.
• presidential preference primary election of the major political party.
• It's just the primaries. Everybody has the right to participate in all the general elections.

Bills: HB398, HB906, HB1201, SB41, SB47, SB106, SB210, SB218, SB220, SB248, SB289, SB397

Keywords: travel expenses, reimbursement, state officials, US General Services Administration, disaster management, nominating petitions, unaffiliated voters, party primaries, political participation, elections, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, boards and commissions, public records, contact information, email addresses, phone numbers

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on April 23 and advanced several bills related to judicial appointments, travel reimbursement, elections, public records, and board transparency. Senate Bill 397 by Chairman Reese was reported favorably without objection after discussion clarifying that it would allow retired or resigned judges to be reappointed ad hoc to finish cases or provide temporary coverage, without changing existing limits on returning to the vacated seat. House Bill 398 by Representative Zerang was amended to remove lodging from the reimbursement cap and instead tie meal reimbursements for state officials and employees to the federal General Services Administration rate; it was then reported as amended. House Bill 1201 by Representative Ilk, which would create per diem for legislative business outside session and adjust salaries for statewide elected officials using a formula tied to university president pay, was also reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 41 by Senator Allen, which would have extended the deadline for local public bodies to publish meeting minutes from 20 to 45 days, drew concerns about delayed public access and was voluntarily deferred in committee for further work. Senate Bill 289 by Senator Abraham, proposing confidentiality exceptions for university presidential searches, research records, and certain donor information, was heavily debated; opponents argued the donor provisions were unnecessary and could reduce transparency, and the bill was held in committee for further work. Senate Bill 248 by Chairman Miller, allowing precincts with fewer than 20 voters to be consolidated with another precinct at the same polling place and same ballot, was supported by the Secretary of State as a privacy and efficiency measure and was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 47 by Senator Mizell, as amended, requiring public boards and commissions to provide contact information, including email and phone access, for members and designated contacts. Senate Bill 210 by Senator Klein-Peter, increasing the number of election commissioners for closed party primaries, was reported favorably. Senate Bill 106 by Senator Klein-Peter, restricting public release of certain crime scene photos, audio, video, and digital images except by court order or clerk of court, was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 8 yeas and 2 nays. Finally, House Bill 906 by Representative Billings, revising presidential nominating petitions and rules for unaffiliated voters in party primaries, was amended and reported favorably; the committee then deferred Senate Bills 218 and 220 to the following week and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 60 days and you took each primary 60 days and you took each primary election<00:03:28.760> cycle
• So, if you want to force, because again, this is a primary election. This is not general election.
• force because again, this is primary force because again, this is primary election.<00:10:06.240
• <00:10:09.440> election<00:10:09.800> by So, you you operate primary election by So
• :10:21.040> with whereas primary elections just deal with whereas primary elections just deal

Bills: SB237, HB541, SB237, HB541

Keywords: hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, cannabidiol, CBD, intoxicating hemp, hemp-derived THC, cannabis regulation, marijuana alternatives, alcoholic beverage control, ABC Board, licensing, permit, excise tax, age verification, under 21

Transcript Highlights:

• On the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination
• In a joint primary, the parties are giving up a little bit of their sovereignty over their election by
• I think you have the conclusion of the election on Election Day.
• On a slow day in a constitutional election, that might not matter much, but in a primary or a general
• election, this...

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Third parties don't have primaries.
• These are not elections.
• step towards free and fair elections.
• are included in the primaries, and the government conducts the elections for all. all three parties.
• think of our primaries.

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 1425 is an emergency measure that moves the date of the primary election in Arizona
• that are tied to the primary float with the move of the primary.
• To prohibit it from influencing elections and election officials. Okay, thanks. Madam Chair? Yes.
• the weekend before Election Day.
• The causal factor of both findings to the 2020 presidential election, when a Republican election denier

Bills: SB1285, SB1289, SB1326, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1392, SB1402, SB1425, SCR1013, SCR1014

Keywords: sentencing, correctional facilities, multiple sentences, death penalty, aggravating circumstances, juvenile offenses, class 2 felony, foreign donations, election administration, certification, Arizona Revised Statutes, transparency, public disclosure, victims' rights, attorney fees, government accountability, right to counsel, legal representation, parents' rights, family law

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Federal and Military Affairs and Elections is called to order.
• So this is the difference between talking to the recorder versus the election director, because the election
• We have secure elections and have for decades. We have secure elections and have for decades.
• that a county board of supervisors must mail primary and general election sample ballots.
• Tellicent provides chips to the election world. Toast.

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election cycle.
• Uh, this would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election cycle.
• <00:21:17.840> bill primary election prior to this bill primary election prior to this bill
• Right now, we currently have $2.4 million in the fund, which is enough to run just the primary election
• This would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election cycle.

Bills: SB2444, SB2446, SB2450, SB2453, SB2461, SB2457, SB2462, SB2313, SB2528, SB2532, SB2571, SB2678, SB2529

Keywords: real property, exemption, attachment, execution, consumer protection, financial security, inflation adjustment, head of family, senior citizens, Intermediate Court of Appeals, judges, Hawaii judiciary, court membership, legal system, presidential preference primary, elections, political parties, Hawaii voting, 2028 election, voting

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• schedule fixed dates for a special primary election and special election.
• a special election date if the governor does not comply with the deadlines for ordering a special election
• Delayed special elections deny representation.
• cost for that special election is $1.3 million—dollars that would The cost for that special election
• forbid, you know, a special election, a special election in the middle of March.

Bills: S0460, S0748, S1180, S1334

Keywords: special elections, vacancy, Governor authority, election timeframe, judicial determination, voting rights, felony, sentencing, civil rights, criminal justice, rehabilitation, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum and took up several election-related bills. CS/SB 1180 by Senator Arrington, which creates a recall framework for elected community development district board members and also addresses synthetic turf regulation and CDD eligibility, was presented briefly and then approved unanimously. SB 460 by Senator Polsky, requiring the governor to call special elections within set deadlines after vacancies and allowing judicial relief if deadlines are not met, also passed unanimously after members discussed flexibility for emergencies and the cost of delayed elections. The committee then heard SB 748 by Senator Bracy Davis, which would add constitutional voting-rights restoration language to the sentencing score sheet given to felony defendants. Supporters said it would improve clarity and notice without changing eligibility, and the bill was favorably reported unanimously. The committee also confirmed several appointees, including Jim Milliken and Alicia McShea to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Robert P. Estalas as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and additional gubernatorial appointees listed on the agenda, all by favorable votes. The longest discussion centered on Senator Grall’s strike-all amendment for SB 1334, an elections bill dealing with citizenship verification, Real ID and SAVE database use, paper-ballot voting, candidate qualification rules, and related election administration changes. Supporters argued it would streamline verification and ensure only citizens vote, while opponents warned it would create burdens, disenfranchise eligible voters, and impose costs and administrative confusion. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the committee adopted an amendment to allow supervisors of elections to observe holidays when not otherwise required to be open, then approved the strike-all as amended by a 6-2 vote, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. The meeting then adjourned after members recorded their votes on earlier items.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not like these are the special sessions of old which were special we're special.
• that special sessions are important.
• Because the way this is going is, um, we're now calling special session after special session and Senator
• and after that, You know, uh, Or it's two specials.
• 1st, because you could end up in specials after Labor Day and two specials later, you're into Thanksgiving

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Please call a special election today and let the people vote.
• It can only be filled by special election set solely by you.
• In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.
• Blake Farenthold's seat was vacated, even though a primary election was set.
• In 2018, you suspended state law and called for a special election after Rep.

Keywords: special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner

Summary: State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress. The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative. A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not like these are the special sessions of old, which were truly special.
• session after special session.
• The previous governor only came back to special for what a special session is designed for, and that
• , or it's two specials...
• Because you could end up in specials after Labor Day and two specials later you're into...

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, Senate Bill 1687 adjusts the date for primary elections and other applicable non-candidate
• Chairman and members, Senate Bill 1687 adjusts the date for primary elections and other applicable non-candidate
• Chairman and Member, Senate Bill 1687 adjust the date for primary elections and other applicable non-candidate
• from our election system.
• that are happening in 2028 for the primary, the big primary, the big general in 2028.

Bills: SB1018, SB1037, SB1568, SB1687, SB1825, SCR1001

Keywords: foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway