Video & Transcript : 'freedom of expression' :

Page 40 of 500
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 20th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, of course.
  • Part of that is due to videos on TikTok, where you get a lot of value out of the shock of the actions
  • Brown, your affirmation shows you testifying on behalf of yourself and as chairman of the board of First
  • I am the chairman of the board of First Christian Church.
  • I'm providing to you a handout with photos of a sampling of properties that have been the subject of
Bills: SB456 , SB826 , SB872 , SB957 , SB993 , SB1660 , SB2017 , SB2611 , SB2785 , SB2794 , SB442
Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence
Keywords: human organs, criminal penalties, physician license, medical ethics, illegal trade, SB 826, Texas, DWI, driving while intoxicated, intoxicated driving, school crossing zone, school zone, reduced speed limit, traffic safety, child safety, pedestrian safety, felony DWI, state jail felony, Penal Code Section 49.04, Transportation Code Section 541.302
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (3-3-25) - Reupload

Transcript Highlights:
  • my career path without fear of being kept out of that area because of my beliefs.
  • my career path without fear of being kept out of that area because of my beliefs.
  • my career path without fear of being kept out of that area because of my beliefs.
  • my career path without fear of being kept out of that area because of my beliefs.
  • my career path without fear of being kept out of that area because of my beliefs.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 40 Morning Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Dr.
  • , the Oklahoma House of Representatives, acting on behalf of the citizens of the great state of Oklahoma
  • We remember today We remember today the heavy price of our freedom.
  • Whereas, in 2006, the United States of America celebrates 250 years of freedom, a milestone made possible
  • of the House and Hall of the Senate, an act relating to the Department of Commerce.
Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314
Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Health and Human Services

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • side effects of all of this.
  • I'm the executive director of Texans for Medical Freedom, and I'm here in support of this bill.
  • In front of you is an anthology of what we've known.
  • I'm the vice president of the Family Freedom Project, here in support of the bill.
  • Jeremy Newman, vice president of the Family Freedom Project, is here in support of the bill.
Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB116 , HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744
Committee: Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
Summary: The committee first reopened testimony on House Bill 2216, which would strengthen child welfare requirements by expanding “active efforts” to help families avoid removal and support reunification, while also raising standards related to removals and terminations. Supporters from child welfare and family defense groups said the bill would better protect families and align Texas more closely with ICWA-style principles, but several warned it would require significant new funding, staffing, and community services such as mental health care, housing, child care, and substance use treatment. The committee then left HB 2216 pending. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1782, aimed at boarding and group homes. Senator Miles said the bill closes enforcement gaps left by prior law by requiring retention of background-check records and creating misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct or keep them, or for knowingly hiring people with serious convictions. Harris County sheriff’s investigators testified in support, describing illegal boarding homes, operators who evade permits and background checks, and exploitation of vulnerable residents; the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 481 on emergency preparedness for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, adopted a new committee substitute that softened some requirements and removed the fiscal note, and left the bill pending. The committee then heard House Bill 388, which would require the Texas Department of Insurance to create a single standardized coordination-of-benefits form for dual health plans to reduce errors and surprise bills; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1590 would move paternity registry searches for adoptions to an electronic process with a 10-day target, and House Bill 2809 would track child suicide attempts in managing conservatorship and require related reporting and parental notice; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1887, which would prohibit administering mRNA-containing products for immunization for 10 years, with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Supporters argued the bill was needed for safety, informed consent, and medical freedom, while opponents from the medical, research, and public health communities said mRNA vaccines are well-studied, save lives, and that the bill would harm access, research, and Texas’s biotech economy. The bill remained under discussion as testimony concluded.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 28 Mar 25th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Chan of Quincy, Diggs of Barnstable, McGonigle of Everett, and Wells of Milton, celebrating Caroline
  • From the Chief Justice of the trial court, the Honorable Heidi Brigger, where she expresses her support
  • of the Committee of North End, the President of the Committee of Lynn, and our leader of our Subdivision
  • America is a nation of immigrants, a symbol of courage and freedom for 250 years.
  • America is a nation of immigrants, a symbol of courage and freedom for 250 years.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 13th, 2026

Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of the concerns that I expressed when I was being briefed on the bill was: what happens when people
  • Are there other members of the public that wish to express support for the bill?
  • Are there any members of the public that wish to provide, express their support for the bill?
  • , back in, gosh, 2010, 2011, did a lot of Freedom of Information Act requests and got what are called
  • Despite the federal and state constitutional right to... ...freedom of speech, administrative subpoenas
Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Summary: The committee heard several privacy, technology, and public safety bills. SB 898 would require manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose how long software support will last and to notify consumers when support is nearing its end; Consumer Reports supported the measure, while members raised concerns about private enforcement, notice mechanics, and replacement obligations for leased devices. The bill was amended and passed 5-1 to Judiciary, with the measure placed on call. SB 1279 would authorize Long Beach to install additional speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway under the same privacy and equity guardrails as the existing pilot program, including limits on data use, no facial recognition, warning periods, and reduced fees for low-income recipients. Supporters cited severe crashes and fatalities on PCH, while opponents raised civil liberties and due process concerns and questioned how the system identifies the actual driver. The committee approved the bill 6-2 and placed it on call. SB 1111, the Artificial Intelligence Abuse Protection Act, would create civil remedies for non-consensual AI voice, image, and video cloning and digital replicas. Support came from SAG-AFTRA and Common Sense Media, and members discussed concerns about background images and employer liability, including a request to preserve a rebuttable presumption for good-faith employers. The bill passed 7-1 to Public Safety and was placed on call. SB 1217 would create a DOJ-run clearinghouse for survivors of non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfakes to request removal from online platforms; survivors and advocacy groups testified in strong support, and members discussed privacy, cybersecurity, funding, and the lack of a private right of action. It passed 8-0 to Public Safety and was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1095, which would require fusion centers and participating agencies to adopt MOUs barring use of sensitive personal information for immigration enforcement or racial/identity profiling, require annual reporting, and allow audits and inspections. Supporters argued fusion centers have operated with too little oversight and have been used to circumvent state privacy and immigration laws; some members supported the transparency goals while others raised concerns about operational ambiguity and the bill’s interaction with existing law. The discussion continued, with the author and members debating the scope of permissible information sharing and enforcement consequences for violations.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 17th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of our doctor of the day.
  • of this bill.
  • President, you talked about the consistency of production of wells and the consistency of the revenue
  • Carrier of the bill of... Remains, members.
  • That is kind of the purpose of this bill.
Bills: SB1627 , SB227 , SB366 , SB1193 , SB1433 , SB1450 , SB1481 , SB1749 , SB1810 , SB1812 , SB1921 , SB1948 , SB2044 , SB2178 , SB169 , SB1877 , HB1409 , SB1266 , SB1432
Keywords: criminal code cleanup, duplicate statutes, statutory consolidation, repealer bill, emergency clause, Title 21 crimes, Title 47 DUI, child abuse reporting, child neglect, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, sex offenses, rape, stalking, domestic abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking, gang-related offense, eluding police
IA
IA

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 01:01 pm

Education

IA
IA

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education Feb 24th, 2025 at 04:00 pm

Education

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislative The committee of the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor shall be awarded to a member of
  • I would like to begin my remarks by expressing my appreciation for the honorable members of the Texas
  • This morning, I express my condolences to all the family members on the loss of their son and brother
  • of freedom and democracy around the world.
  • very best of Texas and the United States of America.
DE
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 39th Legislative Day Jun 23rd, 2026

Delaware House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 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
  • Over the course of this legislation, I heard from many constituents who expressed strong opposition to
  • Over the course of this legislation, I heard from many constituents who expressed strong opposition to
  • Hunting is not just a tradition; it's also an expression of independence.
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.
OK
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:
  • , introduction of the week, instruction, doctor notes of day, correction, previous action, show of House
  • He's a native of Oklahoma, Miami, Oklahoma, as a matter of fact, a member of the Cherokee Nation.
  • I'm really proud of two of the three of you. Just kidding, I'm very proud of you three.
  • erosion of how we define freedom.
  • Other countries may seek to compete with us, but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity
Bills: HCR1026 , SB1130 , SB1134 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1142 , HR1049
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
AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Apr 2nd, 2025

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of... Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
  • I am Matt Gard, the executive director of the National Committee for Religious Freedom.
  • Senator, governor of Kansas, and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom in the first
  • Bill 228 will go a long way toward protecting the rights of Alabamians and their religious freedom.
  • out of the state, primarily in the small group market of under 25, which in the state of ...market of
Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 72 Jul 22nd, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Outer Reach, the House of During, have not arrived, the House of Vienna.
  • Representative Smola of Warren, McKenna of Sutton, Pease of Westfield, Marcy of Charlton, Sullivan, Almeida
  • of Avington, and Tarr of Barnstable dissent.
  • The voting stations of Representative Hamilton of Methuen and Kane of Shrewsbury are locked.
  • I also need to take a moment to express my truly deep gratitude to the gentlelady of Somerville, with
Summary: The House first took up several local and committee-reported bills, including a Ways and Means amendment to House No. 2370, an act prioritizing patient access to care, and a Senate bill authorizing the Town of Dighton to use a portion of conservation land for public way purposes. The House suspended rules to advance both measures, adopted the Ways and Means amendment to House No. 2370, and ordered that bill to a third reading. It also passed to be enacted a group of local bills concerning Leominster police civil service exemptions, additional liquor licenses in Milton and Southborough, Carlisle town administrator powers, and Watertown tax classification, and passed to be engrossed bills involving Petersham police employment and land transfers in Weston and Marion. The House then approved Senate No. 2735, dissolving the North Carver Water District, by roll call, and House No. 5388, a Marion land transfer bill, also by roll call. The major debate centered on House No. 5595, an act prioritizing patient access to care, which would revise Massachusetts abortion law for pregnancies after 24 weeks by replacing specific statutory exceptions with reliance on the treating physician’s professional medical judgment, and clarifying that outside review boards could not override that judgment. Supporters, including the bill’s sponsors and public health leaders, argued the measure was needed to remove legal barriers, reduce trauma, and ensure patients can receive care in Massachusetts without being forced to travel out of state. They cited testimony from patients, physicians, hospitals, and advocacy groups such as Reproductive Equity Now, Planned Parenthood, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Opposition came from Representative Sotomayor of Bellingham, who said he supported abortion rights generally but objected to removing what he viewed as safeguards, especially reporting and parental-rights concerns, and argued the bill went too far by relying solely on physician judgment. Representative Svara of Northampton responded that the bill still leaves reporting requirements in statute and is intended to prevent patients from being forced to leave the Commonwealth for care. A proposed amendment by Representative McKenna of Sutton was ruled out of order as beyond the scope of the bill. The House then passed House No. 5595 to be engrossed by roll call, 119-33, and later adopted an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Public Higher Education Study Committee (05/23/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so religious freedom of expression, political ideology, freedom of expression, um Keene State has
  • And so religious<01:31:53.760><c> freedom</c><01:31:54.080><c> of</c><01:31:54.320><c> expression,</c
  • > religious freedom of expression, religious freedom of expression, political<01:31:55.679><c> ideology
  • ,</c><01:31:56.400><c> freedom</c><01:31:56.719><c> of</c> political ideology, freedom of political ideology
  • , freedom of expression,<01:31:58.080><c> um</c><01:31:58.400><c> Keen</c><01:31:58.719><c> State</c>
Summary: The committee heard updates from the chancellors of the state university system and the community college system on ongoing restructuring, collaboration, and enrollment trends. The university system said its office move to the NHTI campus is ahead of schedule and should save students about $250,000 a year while creating revenue for the community college system. Both systems described continued work on transfer pathways, direct-admit outreach, shared advising, and broader efforts to shrink footprints, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in response to declining enrollment and demographic pressure. A major topic was a possible federal change to Pell Grant eligibility that would require students to enroll in at least 7.5 credits. The chancellors said most community college students are part-time because of work and family responsibilities, and that the change could affect roughly 2,000 current Pell recipients and make it harder for students to afford or sustain enrollment. Members also discussed how the state’s governor’s scholarship statute largely benefits full-time students, suggesting possible future statutory changes. The chancellors explained how credits typically work, noting most courses are three or four credits and that students would likely need to add an entire course to meet the proposed threshold. The committee also discussed the broader higher education landscape, including declining high school cohorts, competition among New England institutions, and the need to right-size capacity. One member raised concerns about the health of regional campuses such as Plymouth and Keene; the chancellors said incoming enrollment is down at UNH and Plymouth and holding at Keene, attributing the trend to demographics rather than one campus drawing students away from another. They emphasized the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and short-term workforce programs as part of the state’s future education mix. Finally, the committee touched on the value of the university system’s research enterprise. The chancellor said about $250 million a year flows into the university system in federal research grants, with about $9.5 million currently under stop-work orders from federal agencies. She said the immediate concern is not DEI-related but federal cuts and possible caps on indirect cost recovery. Members noted that the R1 research designation supports business partnerships, student opportunities, and economic development projects such as West Edge in Durham.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Jan 13th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • So with that, I invite any members of the public who wish to express support for Senate Bill 99.
  • Are there any other members of the public wishing to express support for SB 758?
  • Are there any other members of the public wishing to express support for SB 758?
  • I know we have many members of the public here also to express their opposition to the bill.
  • Last call for any members of the public wishing to express opposition to the bill.
Committee: Senate Public Safety
Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety heard two bills. SB 99, by Senator Blakespear, would improve coordination between military and civilian law enforcement in domestic violence cases involving military protective orders. The author and a Department of Defense witness said the bill would help courts and police identify existing military protective orders, allow them to be considered in restraining order proceedings, require notification to military authorities when violations are suspected, and encourage memoranda of understanding between agencies. The ACLU California Action opposed unless amended, citing due process concerns because military protective orders are issued by commanders without court procedures. Members generally supported the bill as a way to protect survivors, and it passed the committee 5-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 758, by Senator Umberg, addressed nitrous oxide and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products sold in retail settings. Supporters, including local officials, law enforcement groups, and parents, argued that nitrous oxide misuse and concentrated 7-OH products are harming youth and communities and that the bill would restrict sales while preserving legitimate culinary uses of nitrous oxide. Opponents, including kratom and drug policy advocates, argued the bill would criminalize adults, that 7-OH is a naturally occurring kratom component with limited evidence of severe harm when used alone, and that regulation rather than prohibition would be preferable. After discussion, the committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill and voted 5-0 to send SB 758 as amended to Appropriations.
AR
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

REVENUE & TAX - SENATE May 4th, 2026

REVENUE & TAX - SENATE

Transcript Highlights:
  • of some lists that none of us want to be at the bottom of.
  • I've heard many of our own lawmakers express concerns about how we are caring for seniors, especially
  • The top 20% of earners will receive 80% of the tax benefit.
  • Income tax contributes nearly 50% of our general revenue, but it also enhances both empowerment and freedom
  • It was out of my hands.
Committee: All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE
Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which continues the state’s long-running effort to reduce Arkansas income tax rates. Dismang said the bill would lower the personal income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2026 and delay the corporate income tax change until the following January, bringing the rate down from 7% to 3.7%. He also said the bill would use existing surplus funds and estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their effective tax burden reduced by about 45% compared with earlier rates. The committee heard several witnesses in opposition, including a United Methodist pastor/social worker, a parent describing her son’s disability and need for supported living services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They argued that Arkansas should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, food assistance, housing, rural hospitals, early childhood education, and disability services, and said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. Several speakers cited low state spending relative to national averages and warned that further cuts would worsen existing service gaps. In closing, Dismang and other supporters said the state can be both compassionate and competitive, that no essential services would be cut by the bill, and that Arkansas has continued to grow revenue despite prior tax reductions. Members emphasized balancing service funding with economic competitiveness and noted the legislature’s focus on lower-income tax brackets in earlier reforms. The committee then voted to do pass SB1, and the bill was approved.
AR
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

REVENUE & TAX - SENATE May 4th, 2026

REVENUE & TAX - SENATE

Transcript Highlights:
  • Arkansas is at the bottom of some lists that none of us want to be at the bottom of.
  • I've heard many of our own lawmakers express concerns about how we are caring for seniors, especially
  • The top 20% of earners will receive 80% of the tax benefit.
  • Income tax contributes nearly 50% of our general revenue, but it also enhances both empowerment and freedom
  • A lot of what we talk about is generated locally, some of the tax.
Committee: All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE
Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee considered Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which would continue Arkansas’s phased income tax reductions, lowering the personal income tax rate to 3.7% and delaying the corporate income tax change until the following January. Dismang said the bill was part of a long-running effort begun in 2013 to reduce rates using conservative budgeting and surplus revenue, and he estimated the change would reduce the effective tax burden for a person making $65,000 by about 45%. Committee members supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not cut state services and argued Arkansas should balance competitiveness with funding essential programs. Several speakers opposed the bill, including a clergy member/social worker, a parent advocating for disability services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a community advocate from the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. They argued the state should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, housing, food assistance, early childhood education, and supported living services, citing underfunded schools, a waitlist for pre-K, hospital and child care pressures, and the needs of low-income and vulnerable residents. Some speakers said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. In closing, Dismang said Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive and that no essential services would be cut because the state is operating with a surplus. After discussion, Senator Dismang moved do pass, Senator Petty seconded, and the committee approved SB 1 by voice vote. The committee then adjourned.
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Feb 25th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we know that freedom of speech is assigned time, place, and manner restrictions.
  • right to freedom of religion and to worship as you wish.
  • And I don't think you find in the case law the same sorts of limitations on freedom of worship.
  • But generally speaking, ...on freedom of worship. There are some.
  • They recognize that we are all fully dependent upon the God of the Bible for the blessings of freedom
Committee: Senate State Affairs