Video & Transcript : 'freedom of speech' :

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LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Gaming Jan 15th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Approval of the minutes.
  • First up is a consideration of the certificate of compliance for the alternate riverboat inspection of
  • Francic and I are here in the matter of the issuance of a second temporary certificate of compliance
  • of speech,' and 'Give me another charge.'
  • of speech,' and 'Give me another charge.'
Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Elections - 03/25/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and Senator Westlin, of freedom from discrimination.
  • Chair and Senator Weslin, a strong proponent<00:53:08.160><c> of</c><00:53:08.480><c> freedom</c><00:
  • 53:08.800><c> from</c> proponent of freedom from proponent of freedom from discrimination.<00:53:11.520
  • of upholding the freedom from discrimination against persons of color?
  • that might not be a person of color at the same time of upholding the freedom from discrimination against
Committee: Senate Elections
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so the reason I tell you that is because our founders didn't understand that freedom of religion
  • under Islam would be an affront to freedom of religion and freedom of speech to all other religions as
  • under Islam would be an affront to freedom of religion and freedom of speech to all other religions as
  • It's not about—this is not a matter of freedom of religion. This is a matter of our...
  • It's not about freedom of religion.
Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills and one bill on party vacancy procedures. SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law restrictions to expressly include Sharia law and certain related religious or cultural practices, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters said it was intended to prevent enforcement of coercive or unconstitutional private adjudications, while opponents argued it was anti-Muslim and unconstitutional. The bill passed on a 4-3 vote. SB 1568 would require election equipment clocks and timekeeping functions to be set to the current accurate time and verified during testing. County officials opposed parts of the bill as impractical for equipment not connected to the internet and for areas with different time zones, while the sponsor and a witness said inaccurate clocks had been observed in testing. The committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. SB 1687 would move the primary election to the Tuesday before Memorial Day and adjust related filing and petition deadlines; an amendment expanding Clean Elections timing and spending provisions was offered but defeated. The bill then passed 4-3 after members discussed the need to align election timelines and Clean Elections rules. SB 1825 would change how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled, shifting authority in counties over 500,000 people toward legislative district chairs and requiring faster action by county boards. Supporters said it would streamline appointments and improve transparency, while opponents warned it could concentrate power and create abuse. An amendment clarifying the county-size threshold was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1037, which imposes stricter cybersecurity and chain-of-custody requirements on voting and tabulating equipment and requires continuous video at counting centers, also passed after amendment on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SCR 1001, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring U.S. citizenship to register and vote, banning foreign-national election contributions, requiring proof of identity for voting, and changing some mail-ballot and polling-place rules; the transcript cuts off before any vote on that resolution.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, December 4, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and anti-freedom to advance nefarious and anti-freedom objectives<00:58:26.480><c> of</c><00:58:26.720
  • In fact, it was the first speech I gave as mayor of the city of Pooler.
  • This symbol of freedom of the United States of America should have enshrined now people of color need
  • This This This symbol<03:26:13.520><c> of</c><03:26:13.840><c> freedom</c><03:26:14.239><c> of</c><03
  • United States symbol of freedom of the United States of<03:26:15.439><c> America</c> should<03:26:19.520
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We must safeguard the freedom of Floridians.
  • I can't believe it, but it's time for farewell speeches, and our first one is up, and the Speaker of
  • And that statute is 1004.097(3)(a) that specifically relates to non-gen ed courses and the freedom 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.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 14, 2026 - 01:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION OF ALL FAITHS.
  • THAT IS PART OF FREE SPEECH AND PART OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS THE ABILITY TO BE ACCEPTANCE OF ALL
  • TRUE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
  • WE THINK THE SPONSORS FOR BRINGING THIS FORWARD TO ENSHRINED IN OUR CONSTITUTION THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
  • IT TAKES A LOT OF FAITH OF THE PART OF THAT PARTICULAR RELIGION.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/12/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • He said he is thinking about this as similar to the fundamental right of freedom of speech, freedom of
  • conscience, and freedom of the press.
  • He added that, similar to freedom of the press, this would be the freedom to use computational resources
  • </c><00:12:04.480><c> doesn't</c> the freedom of the press right doesn't the freedom of the press right
  • </c><00:12:34.560><c> of</c><00:12:34.639><c> the</c> so you know similar to freedom of the so you know
Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It slowly erodes freedoms that every American is supposed to have: the rights of life, liberty, and the
  • As a nation, we celebrate Independence Day and the founding principles of freedom.
  • It has been in our diversity, diversity of geography, of faith, of race, of ideas, of political philosophy
  • a partnership rooted in shared values of freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity.
  • being the freedom of speech that is guaranteed in the federal U.S.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 27th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • sure that we have the right to assemble or the freedom of travel.
  • The freedom of conscience you're encouraging us to vote against once again.
  • see increased numbers of cases or of deaths.
  • Shackled in chains, stripped of their names, culture, and freedom, they endured the horrors of the Middle
  • the United States of America, and of course, our great state of Minnesota.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (01/29/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you give people the right to freedom of speech, some people will yell fire in a crowded theater.
  • It’s about freedom of choice.
  • It is about freedom of choice.
  • We have the freedom of religion in this country. It is one of the principles we are founded on.
  • It respects each of us as dignified humans. ...have the freedom of religion in this country.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 199, which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages from PFAS contamination from six years to 20 years. The prime sponsor and other supporters argued that PFAS contamination in southern New Hampshire has long-term and often delayed health and property impacts, making the current six-year period too short for victims to discover harm, connect it to exposure, and seek relief. Supporters described contamination in places such as Merrimack and surrounding communities, cited health concerns including cancer, developmental issues, and other illnesses, and said a longer period would better preserve legal rights while still requiring proof of causation. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but acknowledged the contamination and ongoing work to address it. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that evidence becomes stale over time, memories and documents fade, and a longer window would make it harder to determine causation when other exposures or intervening factors may be involved. Committee members questioned both sides about causation, the difficulty of proving PFAS-related illness, and whether a 20-year period was necessary if a plaintiff already knows of the injury and its source. Supporters responded that PFAS effects can emerge slowly, that scientific understanding continues to develop, and that current knowledge is still incomplete. Opponents said the existing discovery rule already starts the clock when harm and causal connection are known, and that extending the period would reduce clarity and fairness in litigation. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing on HB 199. The committee then opened House Bill 268 FN, which was described as a technical measure to confirm that the Board of Tax and Land Appeals may hold hearings in its Concord hearing rooms. The sponsor indicated the bill reflects current practice and does not require additional facilities. With only one witness listed and no apparent opposition, the discussion was brief and focused on why the authorization should be placed in statute rather than left to practice.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know that one of the examples, excuse me, one of the examples in the last hearing Excuse me, one of
  • of action in this particular piece of legislation.
  • a small sample of severe cases of chatbot users.
  • and the people of the state of Washington.
  • And I know, serving on that with a couple of other members, any kind of iffiness kind of makes it harder
Bills: SB6046
DE
Transcript Highlights:
  • He served as president of the Delaware Board of Examiners of Optometry, president of the Delaware Optometric
  • I've sat here and heard speeches from many of our colleagues who've retired over the years.
  • I've sat here and heard speeches from many of our colleagues who've retired over the years.
  • of religion under Section 1 of this article. ...or infringe upon the right to freedom of religion under
  • sure that the religious freedom... ...in the organization of the sentences, to make sure that the religious
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2026

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the form of their freedom to not speak and be neutral, which is a violation of their First Amendment
  • Of course, yes.
  • types of app.
  • So I still have kind of a little bit of confusion.
  • Change of the app or of any agreement in the app.
Bills: S0198 , S0422 , S1236 , S1356 , S1456 , S1722
Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Point of order. Point of order. Your point of order is not recognized. Answer the question.
  • We do have to yield some of that freedom, unfortunately. That's all I have. Thank you.
  • We do have to yield some of that freedom, unfortunately. That's all I have. Thank you.
  • freedom, as they have been able to live a life of freedom after they have also healed themselves.
  • freedom as they have been able to live a life of freedom after they have also healed themselves.
Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills dealing with elections, juvenile representation, paternity, and campaign finance. SB 1489 would require paid petition circulators to disclose their name, residence, and paid status, wear a badge, register in some local petition efforts, and subject local initiatives to stricter compliance and fiscal disclosure rules. Supporters said it would standardize rules and improve transparency; opponents, including the ACLU, argued it would chill core political speech and compel identification. The bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. SB 1609, an emergency measure restricting political party names from using terms like “independent” or “unaffiliated,” drew support from county election officials who said it would reduce voter confusion, and opposition from the Arizona Independent Party, which called it retroactive and anti-competitive. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed the bill 7-0. SCR 1040, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 subject to voter approval, was supported as reflecting longer life expectancy and retaining experienced judges, but opposed by some who favored age limits; it passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1234, which would change juvenile court representation by requiring a guardian ad litem in dependency and termination cases and allowing, rather than requiring, separate child counsel in some circumstances. Sponsor Senator Werner said the bill was part of a broader child-safety package and was informed by cases involving children who died after alleged system failures. Child welfare attorneys and advocates opposed the bill, warning it would weaken attorney-client privilege and take away children’s independent voice, while DCS said the bill was intended to clarify the GAL role and could work alongside child counsel. The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 5-2. SB 1661, allowing child support obligations to be terminated when genetic testing shows a presumed father is not the biological father, received broad support from the sponsor, a fathers’ advocacy group, and a family representative, and passed 6-0. Later, the committee considered election-administration and campaign-finance measures. SB 1392 would give governing bodies canvassing elections access to election-material locations to observe procedures and review records, while protecting privacy and security; county officials supported access but raised concerns about the term “agent,” and the bill passed 4-3. SB 1634 would require ADOT to provide county recorders with applicants’ handwritten signatures collected during voter registration; county officials said it would improve signature verification, and the bill passed 5-2 after some members noted amendment concerns. SB 1743 would redact donors’ employer street addresses and residence addresses from campaign finance reports; supporters framed it as a privacy measure, while opponents said employer information is important for transparency and identifying influence. It passed 5-2. SB 1099, a strike-everything amendment defining defamation standards for public and private figures, was presented as narrowing and clarifying defamation law and passed 4-3. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1535, which would make paying for sexual conduct a prostitution offense and add a $200 assessment to fund anti-human-trafficking services. Survivors, law enforcement, and neighborhood advocates supported stronger penalties aimed at buyers and demand reduction, while criminal-defense and victim-advocacy groups said the bill needed a rebuttable-presumption amendment to better protect trafficking victims. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on SB 1535.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES Jun 15th, 2026

ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, we are going to 15A, Department of Health, Board of Examiners in Speech, Language Pathology
  • I'm Nathaniel Rowe, director of the Board of Examiners in Speech, Language Pathology, and Audiology.
  • They're so grateful for the education freedom accounts, and a lot of folks that are homeschooling their
  • To extend those education freedom dollars more by taking advantage of that weekend.
  • And when I hear freedom from government, that to me is kind of an oxymoron.
Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a long agenda of agency rules, with most items approved without objection after brief presentations and no public comment. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s electronic odometer disclosure rule, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and RV parks, lead-based paint, counseling board revisions, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental examiners, nursing, pharmacy, medical board, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these changes were described as updates to match recent acts, federal standards, compact participation, fee adjustments, or cleanup/clarification, and the committee repeatedly approved them without objection. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s broad set of rule changes implementing multiple 2025 acts. Those changes included creating a dialysis patient care technician registry, updating contact information requirements, expanding APRN authority to delegate certain tasks, clarifying death certificate and pronouncement authority, allowing substitution of therapeutically equivalent medications, permitting purchase of compounded products, and updating certified medication assistant rules and training standards. Members asked detailed questions about the meaning of therapeutically equivalent substitutions, delegation limits, compounded products, and how often medication lists would be updated; the board said it would review rules annually and use future rulemaking as needed. The committee also approved new nursing rules for declaratory orders and the new dialysis registry. The Department of Education’s rules drew the most discussion, especially the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify eligible expenses, and streamline approvals. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting certain technology purchases and requiring extra justification over $1,000, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about oversight, appeal timelines, sports equipment, provider credentialing, and whether the rules were too restrictive; department officials said the rules were meant to protect taxpayer funds while preserving flexibility, and they noted the program had received extensive public comment. The committee also approved Education rules for scholarships, residency classification, teacher programs, accelerated learning, and graduate medical education, as well as Labor and Licensing rules on wage and hour standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting incentives.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • of action, in this particular piece of legislation.
  • a small sample of severe cases of chatbot users.
  • in any kind of way.
  • and the people of the state of Washington.
  • And I know serving on that with a couple of other members, any kind of iffiness kind of makes it harder
Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so the reason I tell you that is because our founders didn't understand that freedom of religion
  • under Islam would be an affront to freedom of religion and freedom of speech to all other religions as
  • It's not about—this is not a matter of freedom of religion. This is a matter of our...
  • It's not about freedom of religion.
  • We know all of this. The people of Arizona demand all of this.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Community Affairs Mar 25th, 2025

Community Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • market in the state of Florida, and it's certainly driving up the price of a lot of properties, and it's
  • The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and prevents the
  • The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and prevents the
  • or the content of their speech.
  • The First Amendment Foundation finds that arenas of government speech are not necessarily full public
Summary: The committee took up several claims bills and tax-related measures. It reported favorably SB 20, providing $400,000 in relief to J.N., a minor injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk, and SB 14, providing $1.7 million to the estate of Pineal Januier after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. It also approved SB 674, which would let property appraisers, like tax collectors, budget for hiring and retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval. In each claims bill, the sponsor described the underlying incident, the settlement amount, and the remaining payment sought under sovereign immunity limits; there was no opposition on the claims bills. The bonus bill drew support from property appraisers who said it would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new appropriations. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, which would create a new homestead-like property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead property for more than six months as residential rental housing. Supporters said it was intended to encourage more affordable rental housing by extending a $50,000 exemption and Save Our Homes-style assessment cap to qualifying properties. County and city representatives, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, reduced public safety funding, and tax shifts to other property owners and businesses. Several senators also raised concerns about density, parking, and whether landlords would actually pass savings on to renters. Despite the opposition, both the constitutional amendment and the implementing bill were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS SB 268, as amended to include congressional members, creating a public-records exemption related to certain residential information for elected officials. The First Amendment Foundation opposed it, arguing the bill lacked a sufficient public purpose and could hinder transparency, while senators supporting it cited real threats and harassment against themselves and their families. SB 100, which bans government display of flags representing political viewpoints and allows active or retired military members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag, also passed after extensive debate. Opponents argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride and other identity-related flags; supporters said government buildings should not display political messages and that the bill protects neutrality. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval every eight years for local discretionary taxes such as tourist development taxes and local option taxes, with exceptions for pledged bond revenues. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the restaurant/lodging industry opposed it, saying it would create uncertainty, threaten tourism and infrastructure funding, and complicate long-term planning; Senator Sharief and others said the measure would disrupt existing surtax-backed projects and revenue streams.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • speech, in any language, or by any kind of vision.
  • together and form prayer groups around any individual beliefs or Or does it just give freedom of students
  • Dwight Eisenhower, the blessings of life and the freedoms of all. of us enjoy in this land today are
  • And so if you're talking about that type of speech. That's one thing.
  • And content neutral laws are laws that regulate the time I'm in place or manner of speech, not the content
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Prohibiting entities from engaging in election activity 3/12/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in elections as a matter of free speech.
  • in elections as a matter of free speech.
  • We all know what forms of mega speech uh We all know what forms of mega speech uh by<00:23:38.400><c>
  • And I marketplace of political speech.
  • Thus, a violation of free speech never comes into question.