Video & Transcript : 'freedom of speech' :
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- of Electric Companies of Texas.
- I'm the Southern Director of the Freedom Foundation, and I am here in support of SB2330.
- The Freedom Foundation strongly supports this bill. Thank you. Members, any questions of the panel?
- Constitution, which protects, among other things, freedom of speech, and also the 14th Amendment, which
- Political speech takes many forms in the modern era, including members of professions forming. joining
Bills:
SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Date of June 1, 2026. Date of this date of May of June 1st, 2026. All right.
- , also a member of the U of A Rangelands Partnership and chair of the Arizona section of the Society
- , also a member of the U of A Rangelands Partnership and chair of the Arizona section of the Society
- of speech. ...to say what we want to say, to have our freedom of speech, those are all things that a
- of speech. to say what we want to say, to have our freedom of speech, those are all things that a lot
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- of speech and freedom of conscience, and that those rights are still in place.
- <03:44:08.920><c> of</c><03:44:09.120><c> speech</c><03:44:09.399><c> and</c><03:44:09.560><c> freedom
- </c><03:44:09.880><c> of</c> freedom of speech and freedom of freedom of speech and freedom of conscience
- </c> issue of official speech versus private issue of official speech versus private speech<04:04:44.479
- </c><04:04:45.319><c> the</c> speech and then there's kind of the speech and then there's kind of the
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment.
The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote.
House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate of the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas will come to order.
- Following message from the Secretary of State: I, Jane Nelson, Secretary of State of the State of Texas
- , that of freedom, that of liberty, and an unwavering commitment to knowing and understanding the resilience
- President Pro Tempore of the State of Texas, of the Senate of the State of Texas, and I will do to the
- It's the belief that innovation drives success, that freedom unleashes the best of human Potential.
Bills:
SCR7
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead.
The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals.
The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 19th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So let me be clear: more precious to preserving our democracy is the ideal of freedom of speech and freedom
- And as a journalist, I value the importance of free speech and would scoff at any attempt to silence
- It's about freedom of the press and freedom to be able to express... ...freedom of the press and freedom
- freedom.
- And this is the point of the speech when sometimes we'd insert a really good story or a memory, and I'm
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This is freedom of choice. We believe that it's important that you restore that choice.
- It's actually a ban on lawful speech, lawful commerce from a particular group of professionals.
- First of all, on the issue of free speech, I think we should also talk about the very muddy line between
- would fall into, of course, religious speech is, I think it's a correct statement of law, given special
- Thank you for upholding the rule of law and our religious freedom. Thank you. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2.
The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2.
Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Social media spaces are not places of absolute free speech.
- I'm here on behalf of Reproductive Freedom for All as proud supporters of AB 1854.
- I am here on behalf of Reproductive Freedom for All. ...opportunity to speak.
- I am here on behalf of Reproductive Freedom for All as proud supporters of AB 2164.
- religion and our right to free speech and expression. and we're here to have ...to freedom of religion
Committee:
House Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (02/03/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- If I could inquire, you’re saying freedom of speech is vague?
- Is the freedom of speech section the only part that you think is vague in that section?
- </c><01:03:13.079><c> of</c><01:03:13.240><c> speech</c> situations is the freedom of speech situations
- So that’s why it’s really important to make sure that that’s in there and respect of the freedom of speech
- These are all child rights: privacy, freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of speech.
Committee:
Senate Children and Family Law
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- TO DETERMINE WHETHER SOCIETIES OF MEN ARE REALLY CAPABLE OF NOT OF ESTABLISHING GOOD GOVERNMENT FROM
- TO BE DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH, THE HONORING OF MERIT, AND THE PREPARATION OF STUDENTS TO BE
- WE CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT AMERICANS PREFER THE WARMTH OF FLORIDA FREEDOM TO THE FRIGIDITY OF NEW YORK
- OF ACCOMPLISHMENT.
- LET'S MAKE THAT THE LAW OF THE LAND IN THE FREE STATE OF FLORIDA. .
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Charlie's commitment to free speech and open dialogue on college campuses was the core of his mission
- CHARLIE'S COMMITMENT TO FREE SPEECH AND OPEN DIALOGUE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES WAS THE CORE OF HIS MISSION
- Flood: The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a watershed moment for free speech.
- Freedom of speech is under serious threat.
- while exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- of free of<00:25:48.720><c> freedom</c><00:25:49.279><c> of</c><00:25:49.440><c> fairness</c><00:25:
- 49.799><c> and</c> of freedom of fairness and of freedom of fairness and equality<00:25:52.919><c> Mr
- The Constitution is, uh, for the purpose of outlining the broad, um, principles: freedom of speech, um
- , freedom of religion, etc.
- Treating the spending of money in the political process as free speech is the principle most visible
Committee:
Senate Elections
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- for Stonewall caucus of the democratic party<00:16:25.920><c> of</c> party of party of Hai<00:16:27.600
- </c> strong support of the bill on behalf of strong support of the bill on behalf of the<00:16:39.519
- freedom of speech.
- freedom of speech.
- There is a problem in terms of prohibiting our freedom of speech.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on its 3:15 p.m. reconsideration and hearing agenda. The committee first reconsidered SB 1379 on emergency preparedness and voted to pass it with amendments. The amendments would require HEMA to submit a report to the Legislature on a community readiness centers plan, including public and private sites, funding sources, partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and projected annual funding, due 20 days before the 2026 Legislature convenes. The committee also made technical and fiscal-related changes, including blanking out certain amounts in the bill and committee report while retaining recommended amounts there, and changing the effective date language. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the amended recommendation.
The committee heard SB 1364, which makes emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs. The Department of Budget and Finance supported the bill but said the figures in oral testimony would be slightly higher than those in written testimony and that updated numbers would be emailed later in the week. Because the exact figures were not yet available, the chair deferred decision-making to February 7, 2025. The committee also heard SB 1451 on critical infrastructure, SB 1452 on the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, SB 1149 on hate crimes reporting, SB 1321 on the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and SB 1341 on energy industry information reporting.
For SB 1451, testimony was split, with support from state law enforcement and opposition from the Public First Law Center, which argued the information was already protected under existing law; the committee later adopted a motion to pass the bill with amendments, including a narrower definition of critical infrastructure information and a revised effective date. SB 1452 received support from law enforcement and prosecutors, with a requested cleanup amendment to correct a federal drug-name spelling issue; decision-making was postponed to allow the department to provide language. SB 1149 drew substantial testimony both for and against; supporters emphasized better hate-crime data collection and transparency, while opponents raised concerns about definitions and free speech. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill, with the chair summarizing the move from the older UCR system to NIBRS and noting a public dashboard expected by September 30, 2025. SB 1321 was passed with amendments shortening the oversight coordinator term from four years to three years, though one senator voted with reservations in favor of a longer term. SB 1341 was passed as is after brief support testimony, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
- of our students to be good citizens of this republic.
- We can confidently say that Americans prefer the warmth of Florida freedom to the frigidity of New York
- The use of coercion... ...where our freedoms were curtailed and livelihoods were destroyed.
- We are the keepers of the flame of liberty that burned in Philadelphia in July of 1776.
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session.
The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law.
No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
- We can confidently say that Americans prefer the warmth of Florida freedom to the frigidity of New York
- The use of coercion... ...where our freedoms were curtailed and livelihoods were destroyed.
- The law of the land in the free state of Florida.
- We are the keepers of the flame of liberty that burned in Philadelphia in July of 1776.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
- of our students to be good citizens of this republic.
- We can confidently say that Americans prefer the warmth of Florida freedom to the frigidity of New York
- The use of coercion. Where our freedoms were curtailed and livelihoods were destroyed.
- We are the keepers of the flame of liberty that burned in Philadelphia in July of 1776.
Summary:
The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After opening formalities, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the appointment of a committee to notify the Governor that the Legislature was ready, the chamber recognized special guests and then received Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis.
In his address, the Governor reviewed what he described as seven years of major accomplishments in Florida, emphasizing fiscal restraint, tax relief, economic growth, education reforms, environmental restoration, disaster response, public safety, and immigration enforcement. He highlighted a larger rainy day fund, reduced debt, record job and business growth, universal school choice, higher teacher pay, Hope Florida, Everglades restoration, stronger hurricane response, and tougher laws on crime and illegal immigration. He also warned about property tax burdens, called for a constitutional path to property tax relief, urged informed consent in medical policy, and raised concerns about artificial intelligence.
The Governor pointed to several bills already filed and urged lawmakers to send him legislation eliminating DEI in local government, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking the spread of Sharia law. He closed by asking the Legislature to continue advancing his agenda. After the address, the joint session voted to dissolve.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that families actually come here because of the education freedom that we have, but um charter
- I think that families actually come here because of the education freedom that we have, but um charter
- This is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of freedom.
- Adding in education freedom account, I think, poses a couple of questions that we just need to get a
- account specifically into this freedom account specifically into this section<02:39:01.960><c> of</c
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Dec 9th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Talking about gun deaths, Charlie Kirk was killed because of his political speech, because he was trying
- I think that anybody who saw the video of Charlie Kirk getting at his last speech, his last rally, would
- a vaulted honor of a day of remembrance if you have to justify so many of his comments?
- That's one side of the aisle only. Stifling speech. Stifling speech is one side of the aisle only.
- of Florida, and perhaps are deserving of a day of remembrance bearing their names.
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability heard three bills and reported all three favorably. First, the committee took up Senator Gates’ employee protection bill, which was amended with a delete-all to create whistleblower protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge. Gates and the Florida Commission on Ethics said the measure would reduce retaliation against insiders who report misconduct, while the commission said it supported the proposal and expected low implementation costs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended.
The committee next considered Senator McClain’s bill to reclassify certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class. Supporters said the change would align those positions with comparable attorneys in public defender and state attorney offices and help with recruitment and retention. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with statute was adopted, and the committee then reported the bill favorably.
The final bill, Senator Martin’s SB 194, would designate October 14 each year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Martin argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, civic engagement, and debate, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public statements on race, women, guns, and systemic discrimination and argued he was divisive and unworthy of a state honor. Supporters, including representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition, backed the measure. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Intellectual Freedom Protection Act created, HF3101 3/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Many policies invade faculty members' freedom of conscience, prying into their private beliefs on matters
- Barnett, which prohibits compelled speech in academic freedom cases, and including Sweezy v.
- New Hampshire, that says that the essentiality of freedom in the American community of American universities
- </c> policies invade faculty members' freedom policies invade faculty members' freedom of<00:03:30.920
- of having individuals have that freedom of having individuals who<00:08:57.839><c> are</c><00:08:57.920
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- of.
- So my understanding of the bill, and especially because of the inclusion of the private right of action
- So that's the freedom of speech part, but remember that freedom of speech doesn't apply to the government
- of hay, and 3,200 acres of barley.
- It’s not prohibiting law enforcement from protecting the public and displaying their expression of speech
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It will have a chilling effect on the exercise of constitutionally protected speech.
- The bill would also have an unjustified chilling effect on the exercise of free speech.
- I am a huge supporter of free speech. Like, people can say whatever they want.
- purpose of doing this other than to stifle free speech?
- of the free speech in complete support of the free speech and<01:25:58.119><c> the</c><01:25:58.440>
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy