Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
requiring the secretary of state to create, post on the secretary of state's website, and otherwise distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments.
requiring the secretary of state to create, post on the secretary of state's website, and otherwise distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments.
The committee enters executive session and moves to pass HB1381 with amendment 1317S and a committee amendment to replace section two with 'upon passage' for the effective date. The motion passes unanimously on consent.
HB1266
Support00:02:01.725 - 1:01:17 PM
Introduces HB1266 to amend the statute allowing moderators on the ballot for other offices to be inside the election area without touching or counting ballots, ensuring fair elections. Explains practical issues from experience and the unanimous House passage.
HB1266
Support00:05:30.000 - 1:04:46 PM
Supports HB1266, emphasizing the moderator's constitutional role in overseeing elections. Details duties at election end, including managing volunteers and processes, and the need for experienced oversight without handling ballots.
HB1266
Support00:10:00.000 - 1:09:16 PM
Supports HB1266 as it balances moderator oversight with vote integrity by prohibiting counting or touching ballots. Notes three others signed up in support who did not speak.
HB1266
Vote00:15:00.000 - 1:14:16 PM
Moves ought to pass with committee amendment replacing 'reside' with 'be' on line 11. The motion passes unanimously on consent.
HB1247
Support00:17:25.196 - 1:16:41 PM
Introduces HB1247 to require towns and city clerks to display a notice from the Secretary of State two months prior to constitutional amendment votes, increasing voter awareness.
HB1247
Information Only00:20:00.000 - 1:19:16 PM
Provides input on prescribed language in lines 6-9, noting it repeats legislative description verbatim without discretion. No objections to the bill as written or with added flexibility.
HB1247
Vote00:25:00.000 - 1:24:16 PM
Moves ought to pass. Discussion on language flexibility; motion passes unanimously on consent.
HB1247
Vote00:25:00.000 - 1:24:16 PM
Discuss comfort with verbatim language to avoid bias concerns; agree to pass as is.
HB1125
Vote00:27:00.000 - 1:26:16 PM
Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL) to avoid partisanship in elections, noting campaigning can handle affiliations. Motion passes unanimously on consent.
HB1125
Support00:27:00.000 - 1:26:16 PM
Agrees with ITL, emphasizing no desire for more partisanship.
HB1298
Support00:32:25.196 - 1:31:41 PM
Explains HB1298 clarifies disposal of memory cards after retention periods in the same manner as ballots, allowing destruction of data or physical cards for reuse, especially for expensive proprietary cards.
HB1298
Vote00:37:00.000 - 1:36:16 PM
Closes public hearing and enters executive session. Defers action pending amendment language on 'disposal' including wiping data.
HB1076
Vote00:40:00.000 - 1:39:16 PM
Moves interim study due to mechanical issues and unclear definitions; prefers governing body decisions over legislative body for machine purchases. Motion passes with one nay on consent.
HB1076
Support00:40:00.000 - 1:39:16 PM
Supports interim study for further review on rescinding machine use.
HB1306
Support00:47:25.196 - 1:46:41 PM
Introduces HB1306 for a clerk's absentee ballot worksheet to track received, mailed, cast, spoiled ballots for transparency and integrity. Notes House passage and recommendations from clerks.
HB1306
Information Only00:50:00.000 - 1:49:16 PM
Questions origin and suggests modifications for moderator involvement and spoiled ballots.
HB1306
Oppose00:55:00.000 - 1:54:16 PM
Strongly opposes HB1306 as unnecessary burden on officials given existing safeguards like applications, checklists, and reconciliations. Details election duties and absentee process security.
HB1306
Information Only01:00:00.000 - 1:59:16 PM
Raises concerns on controls for unused ballots and suggests limiting form to pre-election inventory.
HB1325
Support01:02:25.196 - 2:01:41 PM
Introduces HB1325 as housekeeping to allow supervisors of the checklist to meet any day, not just Saturdays, due to weather issues like blizzards.
HB1325
Information Only01:05:00.000 - 2:04:16 PM
Suggests removing 'on Saturday' but retaining timing; sponsor clarifies it's already in referenced statutes.
HB1325
Information Only01:07:00.000 - 2:06:16 PM
No comments; no objection.
HB1325
Vote01:08:00.000 - 2:07:16 PM
Moves ought to pass (OTP). Motion passes unanimously on consent.
HB1137
Vote01:10:00.000 - 2:09:16 PM
Moves ITL after discussion on flexibility in notifications; motion passes on consent.
HB1137
Information Only01:10:00.000 - 2:09:16 PM
Discuss amendment for notification options (newspaper, postings, website) but opt for ITL.
HB1369
Information Only01:15:00.000 - 2:14:16 PM
Discusses amendment for clear, non-ambiguous warrant language without 'deception'; agrees with House version.
HB1369
Vote01:17:18.881 - 2:16:34 PM
Moves OTP on amended version. Seconded and passes.
HB1369
Information Only01:47:18.881 - 2:46:34 PM
The speaker appreciates the ongoing debate in small towns about switching between traditional town meetings and SB2 official ballot systems, noting it as a frequently discussed topic. They express support for the bill but are open to delaying action to develop a compromise. They suggest allowing at least a week for further consideration and propose extreme options like requiring such changes to occur at state elections for higher turnout. They reference committee precedent from around 2019 that changes to the voting system must be made using the existing system, such as through deliberative sessions and town meeting day votes. They highlight frustrations when lengthy warrant articles delay important votes, leading to low attendance. They note that selectmen set the warrant order, but moderators can move items forward, often without objection, especially for parent-relevant issues. They affirm liking the current system where town meetings handle votes accordingly and SB2 towns use ballots for rescinding. However, they acknowledge issues with some moderators not playing fair, potentially requiring two-thirds votes to overrule, contrary to usual majority practices possibly derived from Robert's Rules. They suggest amending the bill to specify that reordering warrant articles requires only a simple majority vote, allowing attendees to prioritize items like SB2 changes at noon.
HB1369
Information Only01:52:00.000 - 2:51:16 PM
The speaker inquires whether changing from a regular town meeting to SB2 requires a majority or higher vote threshold. The response indicates it requires three-fifths and is conducted as a ballot question, involving ballot boxes rather than a voice vote.
HB1369
Information Only01:53:00.000 - 2:52:16 PM
The chair decides to table HB1369 for one week to consult with sponsor Bernie on potential language, such as requiring SB2 votes at the top of the agenda or mandating simple majority for reordering warrant articles. They note that without a majority, changes won't pass anyway. Another member shares that their town meeting handled 13 warrant articles in under two hours. The chair expresses impression and checks for other bills, then calls for and passes a motion to exit executive session unanimously, adjourning the meeting.