Video & Transcript : 'obscenity laws' :

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KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:08:04.280><c> uh</c> broad word in there that says obscene uh broad word in there that says obscene
  • The prohibition of obscene basically would only prohibit pornography.
  • As a matter of fact, the definition of obscene is found in the state's pornography statutes.
  • The prohibition of obscene basically would only prohibit pornography.
  • </c> it requires referrals to the local law it requires referrals to the local law enforcement<00:37:
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and a Kentucky Film Leadership Council to promote film production in the state. Sponsors said the bill is intended to expand Kentucky’s use of film tax incentives, improve marketing and infrastructure, and attract productions that could generate jobs, tourism, and broader economic development. They noted a committee substitute made two changes: adding a salary cap for the film office executive director and correcting a date. Members asked about whether the office should instead be housed in the Economic Development Cabinet, how Kentucky’s refundable credit compares with Georgia’s transferable credits, the bill’s obscenity language, the size of the current incentive cap, and whether there should be reporting on the program’s results. Supporters cited a University of Louisville study estimating about $200 million in industry revenue in 2022 and argued the state is not fully using existing credits; an outside witness, Andrew McNeel, opposed the bill, calling the incentives subsidies, warning that Georgia’s uncapped program could lead to pressure to raise Kentucky’s cap, and arguing the bill could subsidize films with little lasting local benefit. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed Senate Bill 1 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 with an expression of opinion that it should pass. Several members explained their votes, including concerns about transparency, local hiring, and the need for further review. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 76, which would raise the threshold for a retainage/escrow requirement in certain real estate improvement contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect construction cost inflation since the statute was enacted in 1990. The transcript indicates a motion and second were made, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on the bill is shown. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 162, a simplified bill on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said it would require suspected fraud to be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities, including the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, county or Commonwealth’s attorneys, and, where applicable, the U.S. Department of Justice, to create a clearer process and accountability. The transcript ends during the presentation, before any vote or committee action on SB 162 is recorded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • D.E.I. offices in multiple school districts have actively worked against state law. law in public hearings
  • If they're in the law, it's just the application of the law and making sure we're following. following
  • the law.
  • The law acknowledges this.
  • Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them censorship. and a violation of free speech and
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 54 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's look at the actual law.
  • But it's worth remembering how our law already addresses this issue.
  • California, which established a structured test for obscenity.
  • Well, that's what the law already says.
  • laws after the Miller decision.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading. A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote. The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 54 Jun 10th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's look at the actual law.
  • But it's worth remembering how our law already addresses this issue.
  • California, which established a structured test for obscenity.
  • Well, that's what the law already says.
  • laws after the Miller decision.
Keywords: 1212, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Government

Senate Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it has to meet a legal definition of obscene.
  • He was an obscenity lawyer. He wrote The End of Obscenity.
  • And again, they stem from a 1962 criminal code from the obscenity chapter.
  • Studies show exposure to explicit materials harms children. ...law.
  • We have laws right now. I don't necessarily view with them. The porn laws are established.
Summary: The committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first held SB 1571. It then heard and advanced SB 1745, which would cap transaction privilege/excise tax rates in cities of 550,000 or more at 2.5% per classification unless voters approve a higher rate, with enforcement through the attorney general and state-shared revenue withholding for violations. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and restrain large-city tax increases; the bill was amended with a technical change and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1686, renaming Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorizing memorial placements for Don Bowles and Charlie Kirk, which passed 4-3. The committee then took up SB 1567 and SB 1435, both aimed at restricting public entities, schools, and libraries from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for sexually explicit filming or access. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent children from being exposed to pornography and to keep taxpayer resources from facilitating such material; opponents, including the ACLU, warned the definitions were broad, could chill speech, and could criminalize librarians and educators for handling literary or educational works. Both bills were amended and passed 4-3. SB 1435 also drew testimony about library access, sex education, and the risk of overbroad enforcement. The committee next considered SB 1433 and SB 1434, which would reorganize Maricopa County boundaries. SB 1433 would move portions of Maricopa County into neighboring counties, while SB 1434 would split Maricopa County into three new counties with a transition board and special elections. Supporters argued Maricopa County had become too large and unmanageable and that smaller counties would improve representation and water and regional governance; opponents said the proposals were costly, disruptive, and politically motivated. Both measures received due pass recommendations, with SB 1433 passing 4-3 and SB 1434 passing 4-3 with one not voting. Finally, the committee approved SCR 1024, requiring legislators to live in their district for one year before election, and SCR 1025, moving the legislative session start to the fourth Monday in January; both resolutions passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, this is known as a stop as yield law.
  • Do you personally think it's OK to break a law?
  • Uh, well, in fact, we, we do believe in obeying the law, and this is the place to, to address laws that
  • People don't pay attention to the updates in law.
  • So we don't need this, um. 25 MPH is, is the current law.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is known as a stop as yield law.
  • OK, do you personally think it's OK to break a law? No.
  • Well, in fact, we do believe in obeying the law, and this is the place to address laws that can be improved
  • People don't pay attention to the updates in law.
  • So we don't need this. 25 miles per hour is the current law.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • safety laws and protect lives.
  • And, and I do believe the law already exists to do that.
  • I think this law agrees with you, your assessment that state law would require that it be in a commercially
  • This bill will bolster law enforcement's capabilities to enforce the existing laws related to work zone
  • You're advocating for people to break the law.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • to enforce traffic safety laws and protect lives.
  • Representative Canales states that under current law...
  • Provided by contract and by law on site.
  • This bill will bolster law enforcement's capability to enforce the existing laws related to work zone
  • I've been in law enforcement for 48 years.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's an old saying in law: cross-examination is the greatest locomotive.
  • And so, having come freshly out of law school back then, twenty...
  • Supreme Court has held that state train length laws violate the U.S.
  • Supreme Court... has held that state train length laws violate the U.S.
  • How would, if we implemented this law, how would it affect the trade with Mexico?
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/05/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:59.480><c> committee</c> and Family Law committee and Family Law committee I<00:03:01.440>
  • </c> age verification law age verification law however<01:38:45.800><c> in</c><01:38:46.360><c> um</c
  • </c><01:40:47.560><c> material</c> numeral 8 which says obscene material numeral 8 which says obscene
  • this law doesn't, but this law does invoke age as a key requirement.
  • obscene obscene material<02:21:04.200><c> I</c><02:21:04.359><c> put</c><02:21:04.520><c> on</c><02:
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn. Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff. Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • with obscenity.
  • with obscenity.
  • If, whether I support a law or don’t, if it’s law, people should follow it.”
  • “Whether I support a law or don’t, if it’s law, people should follow it.
  • them break the law, or they’re reported to law enforcement for breaking the law.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:15:04.360><c> offenses,</c> felony obscenity offenses, felony obscenity offenses, tolls<00:15
  • </c> registration for felony obscenity registration for felony obscenity offenses<00:15:15.760><c> involving
  • I believe the uh, law was first passed.
  • </c><00:30:05.600><c> enforcement</c> seek medical or law enforcement seek medical or law enforcement
  • </c><00:45:15.520><c> that</c> created because of a uniform law that created because of a uniform law
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • He was an obscenity lawyer. He wrote The End of Obscenity.
  • And again, they stem from a 1962 criminal code from the obscenity chapter.
  • We have laws right now. I don't necessarily view with them. The porn laws are established.
  • We have laws right now. I don't necessarily view with them. The porn laws are established.
  • We have laws right now. I don't necessarily view with them. The porn laws are established.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Apr 17th, 2025

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • judges. law judges. law judges.
  • That's why we have law after law after That's why we have law after law after That's why we have law
  • after law after law to protect our law to protect our law to protect our children.
  • What does the law the law the law say? So we have to define these say?
  • What might be obscene to me may not be obscene to be obscene to me may not be obscene to be obscene to
Keywords: 920, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Insurance REVISED: SB1592 - Removed Apr 7th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • It modernizes the Oklahoma Insurance Law on salvage title and allows the threshold for salvage titles
Summary: The committee considered several bills and moved each one forward without opposition. Senate Bill 1684, presented by Representative Bayshore, would require highway remediation companies to carry at least $3 million in liability insurance before entering roadways to protect the public; it passed 6-0 and was recommended to the next committee. Senate Bill 378, also presented by Bayshore, would modernize the multi-county bail bonds statute by adding flexibility in writing capacity and strengthening financial oversight and transparency; it passed 6-0 and was recommended for the floor. Senate Bill 1447, presented by Representative Marti, would change requirements for the RFP for the state employee prescription drug plan. Marti used the presentation to sharply criticize the State Chamber and outside messaging about the bill, arguing the legislation would not raise drug costs and that similar laws in other states have produced savings; the bill passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1920, presented by Representative Tedford, would raise the salvage title threshold for autos from 60% to 70% to align more closely with neighboring states and avoid prematurely totaling vehicles; it passed 6-0 and was sent to the next committee. After a brief suspension, the committee took up Senate Bill 1443, presented by Representative Sneed on behalf of Chairman Chad Caldwell, which concerns anesthesia services. No questions or debate were raised, and the bill passed 6-0. The meeting then adjourned.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Mar 25th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so this law allows a 17-year-old who An 11th grader.
  • It's just a remnant in law.
  • , some of these, the law already terminated them.
  • It is a rule which has the force and effect of law.
  • It is a rule which has the force and effect of law.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/27/2026 - House Commerce

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you referenced, California has a similar law.
  • This law, this model legislation has actually already been passed in Utah, Illinois, Arkansas.
  • All it does is just conform the state law of appraisal management company to the federal law.
  • When park managers know and follow the law, things can go smoothly.
  • When managers know the law, I don't know. ...the law, things can go smoothly.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, the commission was established by law in 1931. So that's how long it's been.
  • This bill would repeal the law establishing this commission and the law establishing the requirements
  • This bill would repeal the law establishing this commission and the law establishing the requirements
  • 2019 law that was passed under which they're currently operating.
  • </c> bill would repeal the 1931 okay old law bill would repeal the 1931 okay old law and<00:07:45.759
Bills: HB277, SB89, HB135, HB277, SB89, HB135
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Judiciary Committee Feb 5th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, under Alabama law, if someone...
  • Currently, under Alabama law, if someone is convicted of rape or sodomy and the victim is under the age
  • In 2023, Florida challenged that and passed a law... challenged that and passed a law similar to this
  • That law passed in Florida in 2023. In 2024, a similar bill passed in Tennessee.
  • Sure, so I know it's relatively soon, but has anyone challenged that Florida law in court?