Video & Transcript : 'freedom of speech' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day One - Wednesday, January 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reading the Bill of Rights today is Lila Overcast of Ava, Missouri, and Ben Zimmerman of St. Louis.
- , or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble
- , The freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition
- Brent Powell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri, and be it further W.
- the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri and inform His Honor that the House of
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate of the 89th Legislature Apr 1st, 2025 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The court found that the free exercise and free speech clause of the First Amendment protects an individual
- That's the fundamental tenet of religious freedom, 100%. So, just to get clarification.
- Okay, so your bill also states that the right of an employee to engage in religious... speech or prayer
- Can a teacher... give a speech based on their faith, if they see two children children of the same sex
- Senate Bill 965 codifies the right of school employees to engage in personal interest speech or prayer
Summary:
The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 8th, 2026
Alabama Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of our history is accurate, well-stated. the speech, but I want to get that the speech, but I want to
- Senator Singleton named some of the folks that you would probably consider in the Freedom Caucus that
- <04:32:43.680><c> Freedom</c><04:32:44.239><c> I</c><04:32:44.479><c> believe</c> of Freedom I believe
- of Freedom I believe who<04:32:46.319><c> says</c><04:32:47.680><c> uh</c><04:32:47.840><c> and</c><
- I’ve heard a lot of eloquent speeches here.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called.
The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal.
Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology (2-18-26)
Small Business & Information Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Because the exercise of authority was governmental and set a default of a speech ban that a parent could
- anybody... governmental and set a default of a governmental and set a default of a speech<00:20:37.440
- it not be achieved at the expense of free speech.
- It has a lot of implications on privacy, freedom of speech, etc.
- It has a lot of implications on privacy, freedom of speech, etc.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 54 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And some of those heroes might be in the gallery right now with some members of the Freedom to Read Coalition
- You know, we're at a time in which freedom of expression has not only been under attack, but that we
- And so I'm really proud to be standing here to say freedom of expression is something we should all be
- Freedom of expression is something we should all be fighting for and not afraid of.
- Only authoritarians are afraid of freedom of expression.
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.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- in the form of their freedom not to speak and be neutral, which is a violation of their First Amendment
- Of course, yes.
- types of apps.
- types of apps.
- So I still have kind of a little bit of confusion.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor.
The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- America was part of the facts of the prosecution.
- Instead of persuading their fellow Americans through free and robust speech, they break laws by doing
- The freedom of speech we all cherish does not include the ability to block a road, smash a window, or
- It helps delimit the boundary of genuine protected speech and what this bill aims to punish more severely
- And we're here today in support of 2198 on behalf of the Justices of the Peace.
Committees:
House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Keywords:
forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Policy called Guardians of Democracy, Academic Freedom, and the Crisis in Higher Education.
- My daughter, who's a speech pathologist in Jacksonville, she's also an alumna of Topola College.
- That's the kind of policy that keeps the university out of politics and protect the academic freedom,
- That's the kind of policy that keeps the university out of politics and protect the academic freedom,
- especially of the keeps the university out of politics and protects the academic freedom, especially
Summary:
The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably.
The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee.
A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I can't believe it, but it's time for farewell speeches, and our first one is up, and the Speaker of
- Before we move into debate, we're going to do some more speeches, and here we have the Speaker of the
- The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and association.
- The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and association.
- To exploit our freedoms, to see whether we will defend the rule of law with the same courage that our
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum verification. Members then adopted the special order report and a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also recognized Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano as law enforcement officer of the day and several visiting groups in the gallery.
On the floor, HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously, 109-0. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about surplus conservation lands and oversight by the Acquisition and Restoration Council; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign-country-of-concern restrictions, critical infrastructure, gifts, contracts, sister city agreements, and related ethics and criminal provisions, passed 80-20 after debate and a germane amendment was adopted over objections.
The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197 on information technology procurement and contracting, aimed at modernizing oversight of major IT projects, by 109-0. CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations passed 71-38 after extensive debate over development fees, manufactured homes, and reducing local supermajority requirements for comprehensive plan changes; an amendment to preserve Orange County’s rural boundary vote failed, and a strike-all amendment was ruled out of order. Members then adopted a technical amendment clarifying manufactured homes language.
Several local bills also advanced: HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed 109-0; HB 4051 and HB 4053 on Santa Rosa County fire protection district assessments passed 84-25 and 83-27, respectively, after compromise amendments; HB 4081 on the East Point Water and Sewer District passed 110-0; and HB 4093 on the Felsmere Water Control District passed 109-0. The transcript ended as the House moved on to HB 4095, with no final action shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I can't believe it, but it's time for farewell speeches, and our first one is up, and the Speaker of
- I can't believe it, but it's time for farewell speeches, and our first one is up, and the Speaker of
- Before we move into debate, we're going to do some more speeches, and here we have the Speaker of the
- The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and association.
- The United States Supreme Court ultimately rejected that effort, reaffirming that freedom of association
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- again I believe in to come in because of again I believe in free<00:25:46.720><c> speech.
- </c><00:48:04.480><c> their</c> the freedom of people to establish their the freedom of people to establish
- I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, including the freedoms of speech, assembly, and
- First of all, it is in the Constitution: the freedom of speech.
- First of all, it is in the Constitution: the freedom of speech.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments.
Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure.
A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- speech rights of adults, but that it was worthwhile to the state, um, to impinge slightly to protect
- speech rights of adults, but that it was worthwhile to the state, um, to impinge slightly to protect
- speech rights of adults, but that it was worthwhile to the state, um, to impinge slightly to protect
- </c> series of bills about um, free speech series of bills about um, free speech versus<01:02:31.520>
- speech rights of adults, uh, or the free speech rights of adults, but<01:02:40.079><c> that</c><01:02
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
SC
South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Jun 25th, 2026
South Carolina House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- How blessed are those who testify of them on behalf of the King of Kings.
- , of millions of dollars of economic interest, not to mention the tens of millions of dollars of taxable
- I’m looking forward to the day when we truly allow South Carolinians to have freedom—freedom of choice
- , freedom of whatever it is they” “Freedom of choice, freedom of whatever it is that they believe works
- The other camp is to vote no because you want to legalize all of it. Freedom.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 / Joint Convention of the House and Senate / State of the State Address Apr 23rd, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have the honor to announce the arrival of the members of the Senate of the State of Minnesota.
- Supreme Court, and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals to the front of the chamber. Thank you.
- I have the honor to announce the arrival of the Constitutional Officers... of the State of Minnesota.
- And maybe most of all, people want freedom to live their own lives.
- Freedom. I hear it everywhere I go. And every time I do, I find myself feeling proud of Minnesota.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And instead of paying for something like an online speech pathologist at a huge, huge rate and out-of-state
- We've had to hire a speech pathologist outside of our district. This is my fifth year.
- We've had to hire a speech pathologist outside of our district right now, and to date, we have paid our
- I'm the president of the League of Women Voters of Idaho.
- Education, to a certain degree, if it moves in this direction, is kind of an education in freedom as
Committee:
Senate Education
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> transition to freedom for the people of transition to freedom for the people of Cuba,<01:19:31.040
- of freedom, not repression.
- The Vietnamese government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful
- ><c> speech,</c><02:12:40.480><c> freedom</c><02:12:40.800><c> of</c><02:12:41.040><c> the</c><02:12:
- 41.199><c> press,</c><02:12:41.520><c> and</c> of speech, freedom of the press, and of speech, freedom
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair will entertain up to five requests for one-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
- for one minute speeches on each side<00:06:49.360><c> of</c><00:06:49.520><c> the</c><00:06:49.680><
- I also want to thank my many, many bipartisan co-sponsors of the Purple Heart Freedom to Work Act.
- So, originated Purple Heart Freedom to Work, I think it'll work for a lot of Americans.
- </c> recumbent bike, he regained a sense of recumbent bike, he regained a sense of freedom<02:01:04.560
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:07:19.639><c> bill</c> advantage of of this option this bill advantage of of this option this
- the</c> with a number of other members of the with a number of other members of the legislature<00:21
- ><00:21:31.559><c> of</c> across the state of really kind of across the state of really kind of bizarre
- </c><04:27:40.399><c> of</c> relative um to the definition of of relative um to the definition of of
- Um, I think at the heart of the bill is the question of how much freedom should we give to property owners
Committee:
House Housing
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise today in support of Israeli security, Palestinian freedom, a just, peaceful, and swift
- It's a celebration of freedom, Black resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice for all.
- of freedom, black celebration of freedom, black resilience,<01:08:05.760><c> and</c><01:08:05.920><c
- The chair will entertain up to 15 further requests for one-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
- The rights to vote, the rights of free speech and due process, the rights to benefits earned through
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 20, March 5, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- these organizations, which is not only free speech but the freedom of association, and so I do think
- these organizations, which is not only free speech but the freedom of association, and so I do think
- these organizations, which is not only free speech but the freedom of association, and so I do think
- freedom of association.
- </c> We're afraid of freedom. Interesting. We're afraid of freedom. Interesting.