Video & Transcript Research : 'free expression'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and me, but latchkey, food stamps, commodity programs, low-income housing, after-school programs, free
- non-minor dependents, providing information about how to receive the credit, how to file your taxes for free
- I'm here to express my strong support for SB 624, which would increase access to the California Foster
- Hello, my name is Alicia Dominguez with John Burton Advocates for Youth, and I'm here to express my support
- Hello, my name is Alicia Dominguez with John Burr and Advocates for Youth, and I'm here to express my
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services met to hear several measures focused on children, foster youth, farmworker families, and disaster assistance. AJR 12, recognizing May 2025 as Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding, was presented by Assemblymember Hadwick on behalf of Assemblymember Arambula. Testimony emphasized Head Start’s role in early education, health, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities. The resolution passed 6-0.
The committee also heard SB 624, which would expand access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit by requiring counties to mail notices and provide guidance to non-minor foster youth about filing taxes and claiming the credit. Supporters from John Burton Advocates for Youth and former foster youth described the credit as a meaningful poverty-reduction tool that helps with rent, transportation, and other basic needs. Members praised the bill, and it passed 7-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SB 778 would broaden eligibility for the Migrant Child Care and Development Program by redefining migrant agricultural worker family and allowing self-certification of income eligibility. Support came from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, California Citrus Mutual, and First 5 California, with witnesses saying the changes would ease enrollment for farmworker families facing seasonal and verification challenges. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 444, SB 471, and SB 792, all on a 7-0 vote.
Finally, SB 739 would authorize the Department of Social Services to check whether counties in disaster areas can provide timely CalFresh and Disaster CalFresh services, aimed at improving coordination when local systems are damaged or overwhelmed. Supporters said the bill would help protect access to food benefits after disasters, and members noted its importance in light of recent Los Angeles County emergencies. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after all items were acted upon.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any additional folks wish to express support?
- Any folks wish to express support in the room?
- Any folks wish to express support in the room?
- Would you like to express support?
- Please feel free to opine. Good morning.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment.
Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming.
Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because resistance is how we remain free. Because we will never consent to our own subjugation.
- Because we will never consent to free.
from speech and the right to be free from speech and the right to be free from unlawful, unlawful- While some of us may come down here and express how we feel, I live this experience every day.
- I live this express how we feel.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 006 on immigration. The resolution reaffirmed support for immigrant Coloradans, emphasized their economic and cultural contributions, and called for transparent, accountable federal immigration enforcement, including an end to masked or unidentified enforcement tactics and limits on actions near schools, clinics, courthouses, faith spaces, and other sensitive locations. It also urged humane federal immigration reform, stronger state transparency tools, and protection of First Amendment rights and peaceful protest.
Representative Joseph and Representative Brics spoke in strong support of the resolution, arguing that immigrants are integral to Colorado and that aggressive enforcement has caused fear, family separation, and harm in communities. They cited examples of alleged federal overreach and personal stories of affected constituents to argue for dignity, accountability, and reform. Representative Baron opposed the resolution as written, saying some parts were acceptable but others were too partisan; he offered an amendment that would emphasize legal immigration, federal authority over immigration enforcement, and a more bipartisan framing.
The amendment debate centered on whether the proposal was truly bipartisan and whether the resolution should be narrowed to focus on legal immigration and federal jurisdiction. Supporters of the amendment said it better reflected shared values and legal realities, while resolution sponsors rejected the changes and asked for a no vote. The transcript ends during continued debate over the amendment, with no final vote on the resolution or amendment shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/01/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to express our help house.
- <00:52:50.800>
to <00:52:51.400>HB221, express my strong opposition to HB221, express - that, um, it does not last well in free that, um, it does not last well in free in<01:56:12.239>
- Well, feel free to give your presentation and perhaps you can address the two questions we have.
- Well, feel free to give your right.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- express their opinion on anything. express their opinion on anything. they're<00:09:50.000>
entitled - their point of view because express their point of view because again,<00:10:05.760>
I <00:10: - <00:10:11.920>
Now, the right to express their opinion. - Now, the right to express their opinion.
- , confidence that our elections are free, confidence that our elections are free, fair,<00:15:20.800
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/31/2026)
Public Works and Highways
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- be religious institution or legal industry, it wouldn't be agriculture, fossil fuels, firearms, or free
- And that is kind of contrary to the free commerce that we generally respect in this state.
- It's not really a free market. It's a market that we created.
- we are considering a bill about something foundational to American liberty, and that is a right to free
- Some stakeholders expressed concern that expanding the definition of a crosswalk could also broaden the
Summary:
The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote.
Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs.
The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- respected Angus herd, always searching for cattle that fit his model: fertile, low-input, problem-free
- Speaker, I rise today to express my utmost gratitude to the individuals keeping us safe: our Capitol
- He committed the shooting in a gun-free zone, which ironically didn't stop him.
- He committed the shooting in a gun-free zone, which ironically didn't stop him from carrying the gun
- into the gun-free zone to murder Brandon Shaw.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- are so you know if you have interest in any of these topics or want more information, please feel free
- So if you have input or thoughts on those, please feel free to reach out to me.
- You're free to reach out to any of the members on this slide.
- As you may know, charter schools are tuition-free, publicly funded schools authorized in state law in
- For example, one parent expressed appreciation for including supports to all students, such as areas
Summary:
The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings.
The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints.
Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I wanted to echo some of the comments that Bob made but express gratitude for the funding that we get
- The law now mandates free, high-quality meals for all public schools.
- The free or reduced reimbursement rate that you are likely familiar with...
- The state started delivering free meals to all kids immediately.
- So the cost is just making sure that all kids are reimbursed at that free reimbursement rate.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I was part of the negotiation when we first did the hands-free legislation way back when.
- It's a hands-free statute. Right.
- So while the statute may be initially hands-free or non-hands-free, it says the essence of this: if you're
- So while the statute may be initially hands-free or non-hands-free, it says the essence of this. hands-free
- or non-hands-free, it says the essence of this, if you're watching, even if it's hands-free, you're
Keywords:
sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair
Summary:
The Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from February 18, February 20, and March 4, 2026, and then took up several election and traffic-related measures. House Bill 2006, which would require counties without a USPS processing and distribution center to mail printed sample ballots 14 days before an election instead of 11, was explained as a way to allow more time for mail delivery in affected counties. The Association of Counties supported the bill, and after brief discussion it passed on a 7-0 vote.
House Bill 2109, dealing with hands-free driving penalties, drew extensive debate. The bill would raise penalties for repeat violations, add a penalty when a violation results in a motorcycle crash, and expand the prohibition to watching, recording, or streaming video on a device while driving. Two amendments were offered to remove the citation ban and to strike the “records” language, but members and witnesses raised concerns that the remaining video-streaming language was vague and could unintentionally affect dash cams, rear cameras, CarPlay, navigation, rideshare safety cameras, and other in-vehicle systems. After robust discussion, the committee held the bill without prejudice to allow a stakeholder meeting and possible revision.
House Bill 2167, which would impose liability on the Attorney General for damages when a public nuisance or consumer fraud action is dismissed or found meritless under certain conditions, received divided testimony. Supporters argued it would curb overreach, while opponents said it would interfere with the AG’s ability to protect Arizonans. The committee approved the bill 4-3. Finally, HCR 2016, a referral measure that would eliminate county vote centers and on-site early voting and impose a precinct cap of 2,500 registered voters, drew strong opposition from voting rights groups, county officials, and rural and Navajo Nation witnesses who warned it would increase confusion, provisional ballots, costs, and access barriers. The committee did not act on the resolution and instead held it without prejudice for further stakeholder discussions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I express my gratitude to Coach Franco, to
- I've expressed that to him on many occasions and on this floor on multiple occasions.
- I'VE EXPRESSED THAT TO HIM ON MANY OCCASIONS AND ON THIS FLOOR ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.
- I want to express my sympathy for everyone who lost someone in Oklahoma City.
- I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY FOR EVERYONE WHO LOST SOMEONE IN OKLAHOMA CITY.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 29th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to. have a written free agreement.
- And that's really concerning to me, and I've expressed this multiple times.
- The free stuff has already told him he's not getting it.
- I want to express my disappointment in the homelessness provision.
- Simon-Brown for my free water bill being in this bill. is great because water is good and should be free
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to express my strong support for H. 2342, an act relative to dangerous dogs.
- Ada Gennis, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees and the Wayland Free Public Library, formerly part
- Next one, House Bill 2265, an act providing for free service training for members of local boards and
- Next one, House bill at number 2265, an act providing for free service training for members of local
- So I just want to express my support for this on behalf of the rescues and other organizations.
Summary:
The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses.
Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums.
A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework.
The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 4th, 2026 at 06:25 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're in opposition, feel free to please stand up.
- With concerns that echo those expressed by the prior speakers tonight, I want to focus on patient safety
- Cecilia could not be here today to express her support for SB 53, but she has asked that I read from
- We're doing it without you We're not even asking for it to be free because, when we looked at this 10
- I just want to also briefly add that to be clear, this does not Change drug-free workplaces or allow
Keywords:
prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Ethics and Elections Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE. >> THANK YOU.
- AND THIS IS A FREE SPEECH ORGANIZATION. I LED THE DEFENSE TEAM.
- JUST YESTERDAY THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE SETTLED A FREE SPEECH CASE FOR $1.6 MILLION.
- HE BECAME A BIG ADVOCATE FOR FREE SPEECH AND FOR CAMPUS FREE SPEECH AND WE HAVE CONTINUED IN THAT VEIN
- PROTECT THE FREE SPEECH OF ALL STUDENTS.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Health and Human Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And he gives it to me for free. And so I, like an idiot, I drive out of it, and I just drink it.
- Stolworthy, I was able to purchase the Fill-Free product.
- We reviewed six months of health care request data and found that 47% of requests expressing homicidal
- One of those fellows has expressed interest in staying at CHS full-time upon completion.
- Feel free to introduce yourself and proceed. Great.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- My mother died a preventable death in a hospital and fell into the free kill category.
- My mother died a preventable death in a hospital and fell into the free kill category.
- Florida's free kill law is active.
- File a lawsuit against the doctors, not possible due to Florida's free kill law.
- I appreciate you more than I could ever express. I ask for a clean repeal. Thank you.
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard extensive debate on SB 734, which would repeal Florida’s wrongful-death medical malpractice exception that bars certain adult children and parents from recovering noneconomic damages. Senator Yarborough presented the bill as a fairness and accountability measure, while many family members testified in support, describing deaths they believed were caused by medical negligence and arguing the current law denies equal justice. Opponents, including physician and insurer representatives, warned the bill could increase malpractice exposure, premiums, defensive medicine, and physician shortages. The committee also considered two late-filed amendments: Senator Burton’s amendment would make Department of Health investigative findings admissible in court, and Senator Martin’s amendment to that amendment would broaden admissibility/discoverability to additional disciplinary and prior-adverse-incident records and insurance coverage facts. After debate, the Martin amendment was adopted, but the Burton amendment as amended failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported SB 734 favorably without the amendment.
The committee next unanimously reported CS for SB 86 favorably. That bill, by Senator Burgess, expands peer support protections for first responders to include support personnel; there was little debate and several law-enforcement-related organizations indicated support. The committee also took up SB 316 on series limited liability companies. Senator Berman explained that the bill creates rules for series LLCs in Florida, and a late-filed amendment, requested by the Secretary of State, delayed implementation by one year. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered CS for CS for SB 384, which requires municipalities seeking to annex state-owned land to notify the relevant county legislative delegation when the first public hearing is advertised. Senator Burton presented the bill briefly, there was no opposition or debate, and the committee proceeded to vote on the measure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texans are demanding that our schools remain safe and free from policies that sexualize or endanger our
- So you're going to hear some testimony from some of the stakeholders today. who are going to express,
- I believe in this instance, as the bill author, the hope of this bill is expressed in the very terms
- They do not embrace uniform beliefs, but they all prize their right to practice their faith free from
- Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Katie ordered free abortion...
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It does no longer prohibit someone from expressing free speech.
- think that that is perfectly practical in doing so, but it does no longer prohibit someone from expressing
- free speech. ...but it does no longer prohibit someone from expressing free speech.
- There being 15 yes votes, zero no votes, the bill passes with favorable expression. Thank you, Mr.
- The law that I have expressed in House Bill 45 mirrors the model legislation that some national groups
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 27 00:04:20
Presentation by Secretary of State 00:10:44
Presentation by Karen Sellers and Jason Denny 00:35:56
Consideration of HB 45 00:55:36, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled House Bill 27, which would remove the prohibition on political yard signs in planned communities statewide while still allowing communities to regulate size, placement, and duration. The sponsor said the 2023 Planned Communities Act created an unintended consequence by treating similar homeowners differently based on grandfathering dates, and a legal explanation was offered that the bill would clarify the law and avoid constitutional problems. After discussion, the committee voted 15-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The next item was an update from the Secretary of State on the 2024 election and implementation of House Bill 53, which created prompt post-election audits. He said the audits were carried out smoothly, most found no discrepancies, and no election winners changed, though he recommended adding a specific timeline to the law. He also discussed voter-roll maintenance, saying Kentucky has removed more than 440,000 ineligible voters since 2020, and argued that federal law and limited access to federal databases remain the main obstacles to faster cleanup.
Members asked about the possibility of improper removals, double voting across states, and how provisional voting works. The Secretary said anyone improperly removed can reregister, that any double-voting abuse is likely marginal but still unacceptable, and that provisional ballots are available when eligibility is in doubt and can be reviewed by the county board of elections. He also urged Congress to modernize the 1993 federal voter-registration law, improve access to death and citizenship data, and create a central interstate information-sharing system for election officials.