Video & Transcript Research : 'constitution amendment'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge you to amend this law so no one else in my position has to suffer and it silences truth.
- I urge you to amend this law so no one else in my position has to suffer what I did simply for trying
- Chapter 6E of the general law is amended by adding the following sentence after the second sentence in
- First, the Constitution does not establish an individual's right to request and be provided access to
- The Constitution... ...to request and be provided access to medical care.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a wide range of criminal justice, victim services, and records-sealing bills. Early testimony focused on H.1811, the Clean Slate automated record-sealing bill, with supporters arguing that automatic sealing after existing waiting periods would remove barriers to jobs, housing, and education without changing eligibility rules. Advocates from legal aid, business, and housing organizations said the current petition-based system is underused, burdensome, and costly, while opponents of expanding surveillance-related laws urged the committee to preserve privacy protections. The committee also heard testimony on H.1693, which would immediately seal records in cases ending without conviction and clarify the presumption of innocence, with speakers describing how dismissed cases still create lasting collateral consequences and prevent people from moving forward. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Several bills centered on victim safety and domestic violence. Senator Michael Moore testified for S.1201, which would keep child-protective orders in effect even if the parent or guardian who filed them dies, and for S.1204, which would update the wiretap statute. Multiple survivors and advocates supported S.1215 and S.1222, arguing for a narrow wiretap defense for recordings made to document threats or abuse and for making GPS tampering a separate felony offense. Testifiers described situations in which GPS devices were cut off or disabled and said current law leaves victims at risk and gives abusers too much leeway. The committee also heard emotional testimony on H.1685/S.1238, a bill prompted by the suicide of Stavri Yanka in custody, with the sponsor, his mother, and the sheriff describing the need for better information-sharing so suicide-risk information follows a person into custody.
Law enforcement and prosecutors supported several due-process and dangerousness-related bills. MassCOP, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the State Police Association backed H.1828/S.1039/S.1235, which would require de novo Superior Court review for POST Commission suspensions over two weeks or decertifications, arguing officers need a meaningful appeal beyond administrative review. The committee also heard support for H.1691, expanding the dangerousness statute to additional offenses; Bristol County District Attorney Quinn said the changes would let prosecutors seek detention in serious cases such as child rape and manslaughter when facts warrant it. In contrast, the Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed expanding dangerousness detention, warning that pretrial detention causes serious harms and disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic defendants. The hearing also included testimony on H.1654/S.1063 to enhance victims’ rights and H.1525, which would rename and expand community corrections into community justice programs, with supporters emphasizing reentry, reduced stigma, and broader service access.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Civic education goes beyond memorizing the Constitution.
- The bill has, you should have a proposed amendment, I hope, 3,123 to SB 393.
- The conceptual amendment would not change the dollar amounts in Assembly Bill 568, but the amendment
- The conceptual amendment would not change the dollar amounts in Assembly Bill 568, but the amendment
- So, Madam Chair, if you wish, the motion here would be amend and do pass.
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- chapter 326, so it's like subchapter S, I think in the, in the, in the, in the code that could be amended
- Last session, state law, and the Texas Constitution was changed to implement protections against city
- amendment that was passed.
- right to farm and ranch in, in the Constitution.
- There's a constitutional amendment now, and they've changed that and they've allowed certain things that
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations. (3-31-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, we have a quorum and we are duly constituted to conduct business this morning.
- c><00:00:50.000>
we <00:00:50.160>are All right, we have a quorum and we are duly constituted - All right, so House Bill 236 as amended by committee sub will be on consent.
- have a motion on the bill as amended? have a motion on the bill as amended?
- Bill 236 as amended by committee sub<00:04:57.320>
will <00:04:57.480>be <00:04:57.680>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 1/21/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- That mission is enshrined in Article 1, Section 8 of the Minnesota Constitution, which promises that
- which promises that every Constitution which promises that every person<00:02:12.400>
is <00:02 - Then, in April of last year, the Department of Justice at the federal level issued a rule amending the
- <00:15:09.000>
the level issued a rule amending the level issued a rule amending the American - <01:09:46.920>
rights deprivation of constitutional rights deprivation of constitutional rights
Summary:
The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard a budget presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on behalf of the Minnesota judicial branch. Shorba described the courts’ structure, mission, and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court filings annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. He emphasized the branch’s constitutional obligation to provide fair and timely access to justice and said the courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriations. He also highlighted recent accomplishments made possible by prior legislative funding, including eliminating the pandemic felony and gross misdemeanor backlog, expanding remote and hybrid hearings, improving courtroom technology, sustaining treatment courts, and increasing pay for interpreters and psychological examiners.
Shorba outlined the judicial branch’s 2026–27 budget request, which he said totals a 12% increase over the starting biennial base. Major requests included $77.3 million in 2026–27 and $104 million in 2028–29 for a 6% judicial salary increase and related compensation costs; $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $1.76 million in 2028–29 for digital accessibility compliance with new federal ADA rules; $4 million in 2026–27 and $800,000 in 2028–29 to modernize justice partner access to court records; $7.2 million in 2026–27 to raise pay for contract psychological examiners; and $18 million in 2026–27 to increase juror pay from $20 to $100 per day and align mileage rates with federal rates. He also discussed ongoing funding needs for interpreter services, jury costs, cybersecurity, and other statutorily required court services, saying temporary funding provided in the prior session will expire and that permanent support is needed.
Members asked questions about treatment courts, employee bargaining, and mental health competency issues. Representative Eric requested more detail on funding for newly launched and existing treatment courts, and Shorba said many treatment courts begin with federal grants before transitioning to state support after about three years. He confirmed the judicial branch negotiates its own employee contracts rather than the executive branch doing so, and said the branch has three unions plus many unrepresented employees. On mental health and competency, Shorba said the branch is focused on obtaining timely psychological evaluations and is not responsible for treatment services themselves, but acknowledged a shortage of examiners and treatment beds and said a related competency board would be testifying the following week. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um that's the amendment. I'll stand for questions on the amendment. "Thank you, Senator Boner.
- I'll stand for questions on amendment. I'll stand for questions on the<00:29:44.559>
amendment. - the amendment. the amendment.
- Uh, they, um, as promised, remember on third reading we had an amended amendment come in late.
- Uh, they, um, as promised, remember on third reading we had an amended amendment come in late.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- starting off with us in the state law provisions, Section 25 of Article 11 of the North Dakota Constitution
- you from reading that entire definition, but it's similar to the definition that I read in the constitutional
- So there's concern that, because the Constitution protects individuals from being punished...
- That's pursuant to statute, or constitution rather.
- This resulted in similar amendments to the court's Administrative Rule 62, and that's also included in
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information.
The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval.
The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- John Michael Mathis, and that is the amendment. Are there questions on the amendment?
- We do have some no-appearance forms on the amendment. Any debate on the amendment?
- Are there questions on the amendment? We do have some no-appearance forms on the amendment.
- Any debate on the amendment? Senator Truenow, you are recognized to close on the amendment.
- All in favor of the amendment, say aye. All those opposed? Back on the bill as amended.
Keywords:
agriculture, landscape equipment, gasoline-powered, ecologically significant parcels, local government regulations, educational efficiency, public schools, district school boards, budget transparency, school accountability, instructional personnel
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first took up CS for SB 290, a broad Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that, among other things, set density requirements for certain small municipalities, delayed biosolids-related changes from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, required higher insurance coverage for fumigation businesses, increased fines for fumigation violations, extended the time contractors have to pay subcontractors and suppliers from 15 to 30 business days, preempted certain county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renamed the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about local government preemption, the biosolids timeline, and especially the new felony penalty for nonpayment of subcontractors and suppliers. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids provisions, while several agricultural and industry groups waived in support. The bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senator Bracy Davis voting no and Senator Jones expressing concern about the contractor penalty.
The committee then heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, budgeting, and early learning administration; expand teacher apprenticeship pathways; create longer instructional contracts and renewable professional certificates; simplify testing and evaluation rules; increase flexibility for Title I and discretionary capital funding; and streamline facility planning and architectural requirements. School district and education association representatives waived in support. Senators Osgood and others praised the deregulation and flexibility, while Senator Bracy Davis asked about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education expenditure questions. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce administrative burden while preserving accountability. SB 320 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- clerk read the amendment? clerk read the amendment?
- There is an amendment. Do we have an amendment read in, please? There is an amendment.
- Any discussion on the amendment? amendment. If there are none on the amendment.
- The amendment was a way to amendment.
- . amendments. amendments.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill will disenfranchise eligible U.S. citizens and violate their constitutional rights.
- reserve my right to change it to a yes on the floor after I get more answers, and along with the amendment
- hopefully we can amend it to public education institutions as well.
- So I think for me I would like to see that language and do see an amendment.
- are adjourned. of a and in a U so I think for me I would like to see that language and do see an amendment
Keywords:
border security, drug trafficking, human smuggling, law enforcement funding, Arizona, public safety, immigration, military leave, national guard, employment rights, paid leave, disaster response, veterans services, education programs, funding, appropriation, Yavapai county, lawful presence, public programs, verification
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-19-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We do constitute to We do have a quorum. We do constitute to do<00:01:50.320>
business. - It's actually a committee amendment. So, do we have a motion on the committee amendment?
- <00:17:44.960>
Um committee amendment. Um committee amendment. - amendment? amendment?
- Okay, and then we have a motion and a second on the bill as amended by the committee amendment. child
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That was actually a friendly amendment in committee that I received.
- I believe there's an amendment at the desk clerk will read the amendment.
- Amendment one: I move to amend Senate Bill 2143 by restoring the title by Senator Alvord.
- Will there be questions on the amendment? Seeing none, will there be debate on the amendment?
- Further questions on the bill as amended? Seeing none.
Bills:
SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102, SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966, SB1989, SB1191, SB1258, SB1920, SB1936, SB2143, SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157, SB1806, SB1430, SB206, SB1547, SB1849, SB1428, SB1653, SB1984, SB1644, SB1561, SB1813, SB1570, SB1796
Keywords:
education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I did not vote on the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my
- On the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my time.
- It's a part of the Constitution.
- He's explaining the bill like we're in here to discuss and amend the bill. We're not.
- Basically, it is to amend the IDEA bill that we passed last session.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This resolution was introduced before, known as the Green Amendment.
- I understand there's only been amendments or changes to the title within the amendment, or the resolution
- We're back again with the Green Amendment.
- Madam Chair, the way I found out about the Green Amendment was actually with my own community when I
- I don't think I can support the two-thirds because, as certainly as currently constituted, that would
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- , 57% of Republican amendments, and even 63% of bipartisan amendments.
- amendments, 57% of Republican amendments amendments, 57% of Republican amendments amendments,<02:32:02.960
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- a constitutional amendment.
- amendment would amend our state constitution and would forever be enshrined that way, when we are dealing
- amendment you cannot.
- Appearance cards to speak on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
- Appearance cards on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization.
The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties.
SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Special Session 2026 May 5th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I have um an [clears throat] amendment,<00:37:18.720>
please, amendment, please, amendment, please - The Republican Party pushed forward an effort to say that this particular amendment of the 1901 Constitution
- >
amendment. - And I amendment, this simple amendment.
- Amendment<00:48:55.800>
failed. Amendment failed. Amendment failed.
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
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair moves that Senate Bill 1080, without amendments, be reported favorably to the full House with
- The chair moves the Senate Bill 1080 without amendments be reported favorably to the full House with
- The Constitution unequivocally prohibits subjecting innocent individuals to arbitrary, vindictive abuses
- Furthermore, this bill raises serious constitutional concerns.
- Furthermore, this bill raises serious constitutional concerns.
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/11/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Mr chair and members uh the Amendment Mr chair and members uh the Amendment<00:09:00.640>
uh < - <00:09:45.600>
is opposed say no the oral amendment is opposed say no the oral amendment is - wonder about the constitutional wonder about the constitutional implications<01:16:26.280>
of - Constitution or the Contract Clause of the U.S. Constitution?
- Senator Mann moves the A1 amendment. Or, I'm sorry, Senator Carlson moves the A1 amendment.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's start with questions on the amendment. No questions on the amendment? She's good with it.
- And then we need to adopt the amendments. Oh, do we? I'm sorry. I'm going to adopt the amendments.
- The House Cal floor amendment, ...entities.
- The House Cal floor amendment, The House floor amendment—thank you, Senator Ortiz, for taking that one
- The records is going away with one of the amendments, and that's the amendment, so it's not you're not
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