Video & Transcript Research : 'free expression'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Many taxpayers have expressed their strong support for our schools, and we feel that in our communities
- Many taxpayers have expressed their strong support for our schools, and we feel that in our communities
- We just express extreme caution in allowing unfettered fund transfers, as well as being able to pass
- <00:36:02.839>
Extreme <00:36:03.280>Caution summary we just Express Extreme Caution - having that kind of free flowing instead of<01:10:46.880>
drilling <01:10:47.239>down <
Keywords:
education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So I understand that I have problems with this bill, and it’s expressed in our testimony.
- bill and it's expressed in our testimony testimony testimony I<00:45:57.680>
would <00:45:57.920 - There’s also no express mandate for BLNR and other potential state actors not to enter into new leases
- There’s also no express mandate for BLNR and other potential state actors not to enter into new leases
- There’s also no express mandate for BLNR and other potential state actors not to enter into new leases
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided.
HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt.
The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 19th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That means anybody can access it for free.
- Again, enhancing the reach, enhancing transparency, and we perform all of this free of charge.
- We talk a lot about competition, about free markets. Competition drives down costs.
- Disseminating their artistic expression, uh, researching assignments for schools.
- We also think there may be some chilling effect on adults' rights, free speech.
Bills:
HB 186
Keywords:
public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 19th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That means... anybody can access it for free.
- And they've also set up a free searchable database online.
- We have a free archive of public notices since 2007.
- And we perform all of this free of charge. And we have a passion.
- We talk a lot about competition, about free markets. Competition drives down costs.
Keywords:
social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/04/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I just want to express some reservations and some concerns about being able to track carbon credits
- that were expressed that if this<00:58:01.599>
were <00:58:01.680>to <00:58:01.839> - a weight limit, it's with expressing a weight limit, it's just<03:37:59.439>
impractical. - He said he wanted to express opposition to the bill.
- their their product by going from a free their their product by going from a free flowing<04:51:
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We apply these rules consistently to all people, regardless of the viewpoint they may express.
- name is Savannah Jorgensen, and I'm here on behalf of the League of Women Voters of California to express
- Some school districts have even expressed confusion due to some unintended references in the current
- Also expressing concern in our role as a charter authorizer. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members.
- Rob Reynolds, alternative education teacher in San Joaquin County, expressing opposition to this.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum.
Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum.
Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 11, 2026 - AM
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this is a free market question.
- that individual freedom and the free that individual freedom and the free market<01:27:03.760>
- Is this a free market talking about. Is this a free market thing?
- It's kind of like the free choice.
- It's kind of like the free sewing it.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Constructed in 1913, the Carnegie Free Library is one of only 14 libraries built in South Carolina.
- Constructed in 1913, the Carnegie Free Library is one of only 14 libraries built in South Carolina.
- Constructed in 1913, the Carnegie Free Library is one of only 14 libraries built in South Carolina.
- Speaker, Donald Trump has left America less prosperous, less safe, and less free.
- Speaker, Donald Trump has left America less prosperous, less safe, and less free.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, feel free to kick it off. Actually, no.
- I'm here today<01:15:39.040>
to <01:15:39.280>express <01:15:39.600>strong <01:15 - :39.920>
support <01:15:40.239>for today to express strong support for today to express - And with that, feel free to introduce your bill.
- And with that, um, feel free inclusion.
Keywords:
youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- have fostered a commitment to free have fostered a commitment to free enterprise<06:26:08.160>
- He expressed a willingness to do this in the Oval Office.
- <07:08:40.478>
the his Adams for peace speech expressed the his Adams for peace speech expressed- He expressed a willingness to Jinping.
- <07:43:59.200>
of efforts to achieve a world free of efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, unshakable will to be free.
- The mandates disrupt the free market.
- The mandates disrupt the free market.
- The mandates disrupt the free market.
- The mandates disrupt the free market.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to express my support and strong support for H. 2874, an act relative to the Medicare buy-in
- While existing law mandates that retirees who are eligible for free Medicare must enroll, there remains
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill.
Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity.
Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Several of you expressed concerns in that regard.
- Cities, counties, and school districts remain free to select the solution that fits their budget and
Summary:
The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and considered several House bills. House Bill 111 was taken up as a committee substitute; members briefly discussed what entities the bill would apply to, and the committee substitute was adopted and reported favorably to the full Senate by a 6-5 vote. House Bill 150, relating to the Texas Cyber Command, received extensive explanation of a revised committee substitute that made the command a standalone state agency, allowed flexible state partnerships, preserved vendor neutrality, added emergency purchasing guardrails and reporting, protected existing confidentiality laws, limited monitoring to contracted entities, and clarified coordination with law enforcement rather than direct prosecution. The substitute was adopted and HB 150 was reported favorably 11-0.
The committee also reported House Bill 2517 favorably without debate, 10 ayes and 1 present not voting. House Bill 2963 was considered with a committee substitute that added a definition of “power sports vehicle” and exempted those items from the right-to-repair bill; the substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. House Bill 3520 was reported favorably by a 7-4 vote, and House Bill 5435 was reported favorably 11-0 and also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar.
After completing the votes, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (8-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- up the human minds analytics, it frees up the human minds to<01:40:55.280>
do <01:40:55.520>- The Auditor's office has had a clear and express statutory right to access any state record anywhere,
- of procedures, that gives us more free time to focus on analytics.
- auditors come in and they have free auditors come in and they have free access<01:45:27.679>
- <01:48:02.880>
up mentioned earlier, if we're freeing up mentioned earlier, if we're freeing
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:27
Legislative Research Commission 00:01:15
KentuckyWired Operations Company 00:17:30
Wireless Internet Service Providers Association 00:40:15
Administrative Office of the Courts 01:08:55
Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts 01:33:00, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the July 9 minutes without objection and heard from Jay Hartz and Jonathan Harris of the Legislative Research Commission. Members asked about Capitol and legislator security in light of recent targeted shootings in other states. Hartz said LRC had removed members’ home addresses from its website, was reviewing other state-government records for similar information, and was working with the Speaker, Senate President, Kentucky State Police, and outside security experts on broader safety measures. He also said LRC is exploring commercial products to help block personal contact information from public view, but declined to name vendors publicly. Harris added that driver’s license scans at the Capitol are handled by Kentucky State Police, while LRC has a process for flagging high-volume or concerning contacts for police review. The LRC also reported that redistricting work has already begun, with census coordination underway, evaluation of redistricting software including Mapitude and open-source tools, and plans to make the same tools available to the public in the LRC library.
The committee then heard from Kentucky Wired Operations Company CEO Robert Morphonius, COO Tom Snyder, and counsel Patrick Hughes about the Kentucky Wired network. They explained the corporate structure: Kentucky Wired Operations Company is a private for-profit special purpose entity that designs, builds, operates, and maintains the network; Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Company is a nonprofit instrumentality used for financing; and Open Fiber Kentucky handles commercialization of excess capacity under a wholesale agreement. They said Kentucky Wired Operations is in the operations and maintenance phase, with those obligations continuing until 2045, and that technical changes to the network generally require KCNA approval through formal change-order processes. They also said the company conducted a market test in June 2023 under Schedule 19 of its contract, considered proposals including Open Fiber and the incumbent service provider, and retained the existing provider.
Members asked about KCNA’s role, procurement, network customers, and revenue. The witnesses said Quac operates outside normal state procurement because its process is governed by contract, while KCNA acts as the Commonwealth’s oversight authority and filter for changes. They identified current network users as including AOC, KCTCS, postsecondary education, and other Commonwealth agencies, with all requests routed through KCNA; they also said a separate change process for Exceliccom is in litigation. On funding, they said the operation is paid through monthly appropriations, with roughly a million dollars a month for the service provider and a couple hundred thousand for Quac’s oversight, not including debt service, which is bundled into the availability payment. The discussion ended as members began asking about responsibility for damage-related costs such as squirrel-related outages.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- a 1995 Texas Supreme Court case, uh, the Supreme Court in Texas relied on a provision in the Texas Free
- Yeah, I believe the way that the state antitrust and Free Enterprise Act is written, it's that, that
- And the reason we passed that is because Texas was way behind the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust
- to mandate ideological considerations in investments across the board, fundamentally changing the free
- You want to dictate their free market practice in Texas and I'm just going to let you know that's that's
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to express my gratitude for including the Alamo security operations costs and associate FTEs
- not mentioned here but recommendations continue 6.6 million in general revenue funding to provide free
- Add a new writer 31 directing the Department of Agriculture to provide free breakfast in lieu of reduced
- If you'd like to look at that and have any questions later for us, feel free to reach out to me.
- They cross over, they inspect each animal before they come. across, make sure that they're disease-free
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (11/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- free lunch.
- free lunch.
- free lunch.
- free lunch.
- free lunch.
Summary:
The work session began with HB 656, as amended, which would treat federal funds received by school districts as unanticipated money unless already listed in the annual report, and would require notices and school board minutes to identify the grant and summarize any obligations attached to accepting it. Supporters said the bill was aimed at transparency so voters would understand the “strings attached” to grants, while opponents raised concerns that the amendment was new, potentially vague, and could require districts to publish lengthy or redundant information, increasing costs and administrative burden. Several members suggested alternative approaches, such as a state-level list of common grant obligations or posting grant documents online. No vote was taken, and some members argued the bill was not ready for action.
The committee then moved to HB 665, which would expand eligibility for free school meals to households at up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines and use education trust fund money to cover the added cost. Representative Damon strongly supported the bill, citing food insecurity and arguing the fiscal note likely overstated costs because the bill requires at least one free meal, not necessarily both breakfast and lunch. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote or final action on HB 665 was recorded in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I would just say I'm going to express some concern that funding that was generated in a very specific
- I would just say I'm going to express some concern that funding that was generated in a very specific
- I would just say I'm going to express some concern that funding that was generated in a very specific
- I would just say I'm going to express some concern that funding that was generated in a very specific
- okay and because of the hiring frees okay and because of the hiring frees you're<01:26:27.199>
Summary:
The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities.
Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented.
Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion.
The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Junth teaches learn that they were free.
- <00:30:45.840>
from legacy and mark another year free from legacy and mark another year free - historic dolls, and it's free for all. historic dolls, and it's free for all.
- United States government and expressing United States government and expressing the<03:35:47.600
- Now he wants to reward them free pass.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 13th, 2026 at 10:19 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a lot of the reasons that people want this to not pass, and I understand it, because I'm all about free
- the organization that we would now task if this passes to fix it, there was only one of them that expressed
- Expressed interest in changing anything. I don't want to go back to what it used to be.
- You know, our current free-to-transfer law, it might seem harmless on the surface.
- We've turned something meant to build character into a system that mirrors college free agency.