Video & Transcript : 'academic freedom' :
Page 34 of 422
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That is anti-freedom if I have ever seen anti-freedom before.
- It is about freedom.
- This restricts democracy and the voice of citizens and frankly freedom.
- We are about freedom here; this is a freedom alert.
- Let's retain the power and freedom for the people.
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And since then, millions of Vietnamese left the country, trying to escape and seek freedom.
- Many hundreds of thousands of them lost their lives during the journey seeking freedom.
- We are here to stand for freedom. After 50 years, we're here to stand for freedom.
- After 50 years, We're here to stand for freedom.
- Our Vietnamese brothers and sisters left their homeland in pursuit of freedom and liberty.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then took up a series of procedural motions and a large third-reading file focused heavily on housing, wildfire recovery, insurance, and related regulatory changes. Early actions included a successful motion to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 on the third-reading file, followed by a unanimous vote on SB 26, a cleanup measure related to lemon-law civil discovery procedures and automaker opt-outs from the AB 1755 framework.
The chamber then moved through a package of urgency bills tied to the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires and broader housing affordability concerns. Measures approved included AB 311 allowing displaced tenants to temporarily house wildfire victims and pets, AB 299 extending hotel/motel/short-term rental stays beyond 30 days for disaster-displaced families, AB 226 giving the California Fair Plan access to bond financing in catastrophic-loss scenarios, AB 253 allowing third-party plan checks when local review exceeds 30 days, AB 301 aligning state permitting timelines with local deadlines, AB 306 imposing a six-year pause on new residential building-code updates, AB 462 exempting certain ADUs in Los Angeles County coastal zones from coastal development permits, AB 493 requiring interest to be paid to homeowners on insurance proceeds held by lenders, and AB 597 tightening rules on public adjuster solicitation, fees, and contract transparency. Each of these urgency bills passed, generally with strong bipartisan support and mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Assembly also approved several non-urgency measures, including AB 293 on groundwater transparency and board disclosure, AB 251 on elder abuse litigation standards when evidence is intentionally destroyed, AB 59 removing a sunset on Reclamation District 108’s hydropower authority, AB 417 streamlining EIFD and CRIA financing tools, and AB 312 updating procedures for agricultural theft proceeds. In addition, ACR 6 was adopted by voice vote, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with extensive remarks from Assembly Member Ta and support from other members. The consent calendar was adopted, and the body later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for David Myers and Olivia Guerrero before adjourning to April 3, 2025. Several vote changes were announced after adjournment, including changes on AB 251 and AB 417.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the first formerly incarcerated college graduate from Florida to receive an academic achievement
- month period after release is critical in a person's stability and transition to a successful life of freedom
- They need to be able to enroll in college immediately. and transition to a successful life of freedom
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- been ceded to them from the public that was designed to keep them free was actually eroding that freedom
- And that is to protect and preserve the freedoms of the people back home and make sure that government
- performance and what they bring to the table in terms of their academic studies and performances.
- I certainly believe that you can express your views and still be graded on academic performance.
- The bill is about grading based on academic performance. That's the subject matter of the bill.
Bills:
HB2268 , HB3000 , HB3043 , HB3066 , HB3078 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3244 , HB3298 , HB3320 , HB3467 , HB3321 , HB3329 , HB3431 , HB3464 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3586 , HB3590 , HB3650 , HB3671 , HB3695 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3834 , HB3931 , HB3934 , HB3940 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB3985 , HB4113 , HB4294 , HB4302 , HB4317 , HB4324 , HB4359 , HB4426 , HB4427 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB4434 , HJR1077 , SR42 , SR35 , HJR1023 , HB1225 , HB1374 , HB1381 , HB1590 , HB1675 , HB2153
Keywords:
HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Online PSO courses offer scheduling freedom and no-cost credits, making them highly attractive to our
- </c><01:07:22.720><c> rigor</c><01:07:23.599><c> and</c> strain erosion of academic rigor and strain
- </c><01:08:40.120><c> rigor</c><01:08:40.359><c> and</c> response to academic rigor and response to academic
- </c><01:09:18.319><c> goals</c> degree Pathways or academic goals degree Pathways or academic goals undermines
- I fear that PSO graduates will face greater resistance from future schools if the academic integrity
Committee:
House Education Policy
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also an assistant manager in health information management at a large academic medical institution
- I am also an assistant manager in health information management at a large academic medical institution
- The Institute for Freedom in the Americas at Miami College is located at the Historic Freedom Tower.
- The other was Senator Burton's, with immunizations and their individual freedoms.
- And we also have religious freedom protected by the First Amendment in the U.S.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the operation director for Stand for Health Freedom.
- I want medical freedom.
- And I strongly believe in our medical freedom rights.
- tells us that we have medical freedom.
- And we said, you got the freedom to not do that.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week.
The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/14/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and within forgery, false academic and within forgery, false academic documentation.
- </c><00:56:41.200><c> Um,</c> academic falsification or whatever.
- Um, academic falsification or whatever.
- ><02:19:34.080><c> that</c><02:19:34.240><c> awesome</c> academic success, but all that awesome academic
- </c><03:37:19.200><c> Account</c> administer the Education Freedom Account administer the Education Freedom
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:19:46.760><c> from</c> It's California Worker Freedom from It's California Worker Freedom from
- But at the same freedom of religion.
- </c> protect individuals religious freedoms protect individuals religious freedoms as<01:40:36.000><c
- </c><02:50:36.800><c> Program</c> uh Higher Education Academic Program uh Higher Education Academic Program
- </c><02:51:28.920><c> program</c> on extending the academic program on extending the academic program
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 47 - 1 Apr 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition to her clinical work, Doctor Molina serves in several Leadership academic roles.
- I feel like freedom sometimes doesn't mean, and we as policymakers should be very concerned about the
- erosion of how we define freedom.
- That's not America; that's not freedom. And I'm not saying I agree with Jimmy Kimmel at all.
- Congress shall make no law establishing or prohibiting or abridging Freedom means the power or the right
Keywords:
light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Veteran Affairs Aug 26th, 2026 at 01:57 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The MTP looks forward to hosting the central U.S. node under the TAMU-CT academic umbrella.
- The MTP looks forward to hosting the central U.S. node under the TAMU-CT academic umbrella.
- That 12-month window that follows separation is called in the academic literature the deadly gap.
- Texas veterans fought for the freedoms we enjoy. They deserve the freedom to decide who helps them.
- Texas veterans fought for the freedoms we enjoy. They deserve the freedom to decide who helps them.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Veterans Affairs met to hear testimony on interim charge 2, focused on military-to-civilian transition, and later on the role of the Military Veteran Peer Network and broader transition supports. The committee first heard from representatives of Midwestern State University and Wichita Falls, who described partnerships with Sheppard Air Force Base, expanded military student services, scholarship support, and the importance of helping service members connect to education, employment, and community before separation. Witnesses emphasized that successful transition is not just about finding a job, but about creating a warm handoff to local employers, colleges, civic groups, and veteran organizations, and they urged earlier outreach while service members are still on active duty.
Testimony from Texas A&M University–Central Texas and the Texas A&M University System focused on the Military Talent Pipeline, credentialing, and workforce alignment. Witnesses said Texas should better capture service members’ skills earlier, improve information-sharing with employers, and expand pathways that translate military training into civilian credentials. A major recommendation was a Texas “medic/corpsman to registered nurse” pathway modeled on Wisconsin’s WISMAC program, along with broader reciprocity and bridging programs for military certifications in fields such as aircraft maintenance, trucking, and other high-demand occupations. Members also discussed the need for more staffing and resources at university veteran offices, and the value of measuring the return on state investment in veteran education benefits such as Hazelwood.
The committee then heard from the Texas Veterans Commission’s Mental Health Department on the Military Veteran Peer Network. The witness described peer support coordinators and rural veteran counselors who provide warm handoffs, suicide prevention support, and counseling, especially during the first 18 months after separation, which was identified as a high-risk period. She said the network is effective but too small and needs growth, and noted barriers to base access and TAP participation. Additional testimony from a retired Army officer and transition leader stressed that Texas has many strong programs but weak coordination, and recommended using installation-specific approaches, commander engagement, consent-based data sharing, and stronger links between TAP, state resources, and local communities. A final witness from Onward Ops described upstream enrollment, risk screening, certified peer mentors, and data-sharing to proactively support separating service members; he said the current system leaves veterans to navigate stovepiped programs on their own and called for more community partners, especially in rural areas. No votes were taken during the hearing.
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:
- to be necessarily academic, if that makes<00:24:57.039><c> sense.
- </c> don't make the mark in the academic don't make the mark in the academic realm<00:25:15.039><c> or
- I wasn't personally um the best at academics myself.
- I wasn't personally um the best at academics myself.
- </c> the books does that allow that freedom the books does that allow that freedom for<01:27:33.520><
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is an honor to really recognize her great academic achievement.
- AND IT IS AN HONOR TO REALLY RECOGNIZE HER GREAT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.
- This is simply about the freedom of expression, so why do I bring this up year after year?
- Republican majority in both chambers, they passed this bill into law in 2023 because it is about freedom
- Although rap is treated disproportionately when it comes to the criminal casing, it is about freedom
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender.
The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy.
The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom and Chairman Crane and members... considering attempted
- I'm Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom and Chairman Crane and members I'm Senior Counsel
- with Alliance Defending Freedom, and Chairman Crane and members of the committee, thank you so much for
- There's a wealth of academic literature that points to the fact that increased social media time increases
- There's a wealth of academic literature that points to the fact that increased social media time increases
Committee:
House State Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- These obstacles don't just affect health care access, but academic access and academic success and their
- And that also again starts in the 27-28 academic year.
- Institutions, and that also again starts in the 27-28 academic year.
- I hope the remainder of your academic year goes well.
- The cost and benefits from an academic program can differ significantly across academic programs.
Keywords:
medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, veterans, tuition waiver, education, survivors, eligibility, 904
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Thanks to Cornerstone's learning lab, he saw enormous growth in his academics.
- Thanks to Cornerstone's learning lab, he saw enormous growth in his academics, and for the very first
- But LEARNS wasn't just about investing in education freedom.
- families thrive in safe communities, where jobs are abundant and paychecks are rising, where the freedom
Summary:
The meeting was the opening of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2026 fiscal session, beginning with quorum calls, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including law enforcement officers, a doctor of the day, nurse of the day, constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices, and family and friends of legislators. The House adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address, appointed committees to notify the Senate and the Governor, and later received the Senate into the chamber before recessing for the joint session.
In the joint session, members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Stan Berry, then heard Governor Sanders’s fiscal session address. Her remarks focused heavily on the proposed budget and her administration’s priorities: fully funding education and the LEARNS Act, supporting teachers and literacy efforts, funding public safety and corrections, expanding the 1033 initiative to move people from crisis to career, and holding down government growth while pursuing further income tax cuts. She also highlighted economic development, low cost of living, and support for veterans, while emphasizing conservative policy themes and thanking several Arkansans whose stories illustrated the administration’s agenda.
No substantive legislation was debated or voted on beyond the adoption of House Resolution 1001 and the procedural motions to adjourn the joint session and then adjourn the House until the next day. The House announced that Joint Budget would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We pledge to live lives of honor, integrity, and virtue, to defend and promote the principles of freedom
- It was freedom, and it unleashed the human spirit. Now man was in control of his destiny.
- technology support, counselors, librarians, nursing, and all of those kinds of support contribute to the academic
- Academic success of children. And this bill says they don't care.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 24 members present and six excused. After approving the journal, the body recessed for a performance marking America’s 250th birthday, then returned for introductions and recognitions, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol, Children’s Health Day advocates, guests of members, and the doctor of the day. The Senate also handled routine calendar items, including gubernatorial nominations and bill referrals, and appointed Senator Shope to temporarily serve as vice chair of the Finance Committee for the day.
The main floor action was on SCR 1032, a measure relating to school district budgets and classroom spending. The bill, as amended, would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with a step-in penalty reducing classroom site fund allocations for continued noncompliance. Senator Hoffman explained the amendment as a moderated version that exempted certain rural/smaller districts and phased in penalties over several years; supporters argued it would ensure more money reaches classrooms and teachers. Opponents, including Senators Epstein, Miranda, Kuby, and others, argued it would micromanage local school districts, ignore important non-classroom costs such as nurses, transportation, counselors, and librarians, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charter schools. The Senate adopted the committee and floor amendments and then passed SCR 1032 on third reading by a vote of 16-12, with 2 not voting, sending it to the House.
The Senate also considered SB 1071 concerning the Arizona Rangers. Supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and increase accountability and training transparency. Some members said they expected the House to further amend the measure. SB 1071 passed on third reading by a vote of 17-11, with 2 not voting, and was transmitted to the House. The session concluded with caucus and committee announcements, a recognition of World Down Syndrome Day advocates, an invitation to SRP Day at the Capitol, and adjournment until the next day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We pledge to live lives of honor, integrity, and virtue, to defend and promote the principles of freedom
- It was freedom, and it unleashed the human spirit. Now, man was in control of his destiny.
- technology support, counselors, librarians, nursing, and all of those kinds of support contribute to the academic
- And this bill says... ...academic success of children. And this bill says they don't care.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 81 requires CalVet to commission an academic study. The years ahead.
- AB 81 requires CalVet to commission an academic study examining the mental health of women veterans in
- Veterans should have the freedom to decide how they pursue their earned benefits, whether that's through
- with the veteran community and find a balanced solution that targets exploitation without limiting freedom
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations.
AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary.
AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Nineteen - Wednesday, February 11 - Afternoon Session -
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill makes it explicitly clear that it does not infringe on First Amendment rights or the freedom
- And so freedom is always one of the best defenses our country has.
- of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of religion.
- Many never saw freedom. This was all in the lead-up to the Holocaust of the Jewish people.
- But I am suggesting, what if we just had the First Amendment protect the freedom of speech?
Summary:
The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended.
The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed.
House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.