Video & Transcript Research : 'free expression'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Health Committee Meeting - 2025-05-07

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And finally, I must express my disappointment that None of the agency's user fee proposals were included
  • So, thank you for being here, and thank you for expressing your thoughts and opinions today.
  • First, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support of Roundtable Rx and for including us in
  • What often happens—and for those in this room who are not aware—the first section talks about free speech
  • We like to envision that, you know, it's all gonna be free.
Bills: HF2435
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, this bill would establish a statewide toll-free tip line and website...
  • Additionally, this bill would establish a statewide toll-free tip line and website, Additionally, this
  • Without accountability, as killers remain free to harm others, without resources as a systemic failure
  • So if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
  • I'm Professor Emeritus at Free Fishman University.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, welcome, and please do feel free to start as soon as you're ready.
  • I am here today to express Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley's strong opposition.
  • I am here today to express Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley's strong opposition to the $15.8
  • It is allowing them to breathe free and flourish and thrive in their communities.
  • We serve hundreds of youth, young adults, and adults in Bakersfield in Kern County by providing free
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 11th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Don't be angry at them for expressing it either side.
  • Don't be angry at them for expressing it either side.
  • : House Concurrent Resolution No. 11 by Representative Mike Johnson is a concurrent resolution to express
  • So people that are homeless get a driver's license for free?
  • So people that are homeless get a driver's license for free?
Bills: SCR63, SCR12, HB89, HB451, HB595, HB617, HB621, HB730, HB1064, HB1125, HB221, HCR58, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SB104, SB122, SB180, SB260, SB424, SB476, SCR9, SCR30, SB57, SB414, SB525, SB35, SB65, SB135, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB276, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB691, HB712, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1033, HB1034, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1237, HB1239, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382
Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard a guest prayer from Pastor Dr. Michael Linton, and proceeded through routine journal approval and legislative bureau reports. The chamber received numerous House messages on passed Senate bills and House bills, introduced several resolutions and concurrent resolutions, and recognized Former Legislators’ Day with remarks honoring deceased former members and welcoming back past legislators and other officials. The Senate also adopted SCR 63, which asks the Legislative Auditor to review how fiscal notes are developed and prepared, after an amendment clarifying the study’s scope and a 33-0 vote. The body then took up a series of Senate bills returned from the House. It concurred in House amendments to SB 106 (crime scene recordings/public records), SB 206 (blood pressure testing in schools, narrowed to athletes), SB 248 (polling place closures for very small precincts), SB 104 (highway memorial designation), SB 122 (bridge preservation), SB 180 (disabled veterans’ homestead exemption transfer language), SB 260 (youth athletics safety training/Coach Safely Act), and SB 476 (garnishment service wording). It rejected House amendments to SB 441 on pre-kindergarten programs. SB 57 on nutrition cleanup, SB 414 on medical debt protection, SB 525 on unclaimed property purchases, SB 501 on postsecondary health information postings, and SB 276 on bail bond producer affidavits all advanced or passed, with SB 57 and SB 414 ultimately passing and SB 525 and SB 501 also receiving final passage. The Senate also adopted SCR 30, a resolution urging Congress to ensure accountability and release of Epstein-related files, and later took up SB 513, a pilot program involving average bid/design-build contracting for certain airport-related projects, which passed 25-10 after extended questioning about its purpose and safeguards. SB 484, revising higher education governance and removing LUMCON language in favor of a study commission, passed 36-1. In personal privilege remarks, senators recognized Louisiana Arts Day and introduced guest Ed Tillman. The chamber then began a long series of House bills, including HB 462 on the Capital Area Road and Bridge District board composition, HB 547 on photographing voter registration information, HB 613 on marking driver’s licenses with citizenship status, HB 691 on voter-roll verification through the federal SAVE system, and HB 712 waiving certain OMV fees for homeless individuals; several of these bills were explained and moved toward final passage as the session continued.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government. (2-11-26)

State & Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • We also were going to provide in this bill for free 24/7, 365 access to all statewide public notices
  • We also were going to provide in this bill for free 24/7, 365 access to all statewide public notices.
  • Chair Nemes. >> Senate Bill 141 passes 10-0, and we expect to do so on the floor with favorable expression
  • favorable expression. favorable expression.
  • So it passes committee with favorable expression, and we expect it to do so on the floor.
Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee first took up Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Given, which revises Kentucky’s public notice laws. Senator Given said the bill was the product of negotiations among the Kentucky Press Association, the Kentucky League of Cities, and the Kentucky Association of Counties, aiming to balance transparency with the cost of publication. Testimony described changes to clarify which newspapers may publish legal notices, address publication errors, ensure fair and reasonable rates, update ad size requirements, and provide more practical hearing timelines. Committee members praised the compromise and the bill’s modernization, including expanded online access to public notices. SB 141 passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then considered Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Mills, and first adopted a substitute that addressed concerns from Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Bankers Association. Senator Mills said Kentucky faces a significant housing shortage and that the bill would give local governments two tools to encourage development without direct state cost: a residential infrastructure development district and a housing development district. He explained that the first tool would help finance infrastructure within a district through bonds repaid by special assessments, while the second would allow local governments to negotiate incentives and streamlined review for larger housing projects. Members asked about public participation, local control, infrastructure financing, and whether the bill required affordable housing set-asides; Mills said the bill leaves those decisions to local governments. SB 9 passed 9-0 with one pass and favorable expression.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 40 (3-5-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:50:31.560> More<00:50:31.880> importantly, ignorant and free."
  • More importantly, ignorant and free."
  • that judicial candidates have free that judicial candidates have free speech.<00:50:53.120> And
  • We're probably number one in the country as far as elections and free of fraud, free of abuse. at this
  • Um, I voted no for my county clerk who has expressed concerns over angry people who may be coming to
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026

Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:
  • But that fundamental proposition that in a democracy, in a free society, everyone has to pay something
  • I said generally that was not the case; that those are free general fund dollars that we could use to
  • Ben O'Brien here on behalf of California Life Sciences to express our opposition to the proposal in AB
  • Aligning comments with previous speakers, first expressing gratitude to the Senate for continuing to
  • protect our most vulnerable... ...expressing gratitude to the Senate for continuing to protect our most
Keywords: 987, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here today to express my strong support for House Bill 2196.
  • Virtual school didn't just free up my schedule, it gave me the chance to build a future I'm proud of,
  • Free and appropriate education looks different for all three of them.
  • Please provide these children with free and appropriate education by passing House Bill 2196.
  • I'm here today to express support for House Bill 117 filed by Representative Schoolcraft.
Bills: HB117
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here today to express my strong support for House Bill 2196.
  • Free and appropriate education looks different for all three of them.
  • Please provide these children with a free and appropriate education by passing House Bill 2196.
  • I'm Rebecca Young-Montgomery here to testify on behalf of the Center for Transforming Lives to express
  • I'm here today to express support for House Bill 117 filed by Representative Schoolcraft.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Nominations

Transcript Highlights:
  • my chief of staff is right back there Peter And I'm happy to be on this committee, and please feel free
  • You're free to go to your next committee. You're released.
  • I have had some of my district clerks. expressed concern, and it's something that we struggle with in
  • We will help veterans fill out the forms that they need for the state of Texas to get. some tax-free
  • Now we can free up those district courts to in eight weeks they can drive 8, 10, 15 cases, the two-day
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • But if there’s something that we are shackling you, let us free your bonds.
  • is projected to have four Lights Express is projected to have four round<00:55:15.520> trips<
  • 2011 so as the Northern Lights Express 2011 so as the Northern Lights Express uh<00:56:58.119>
  • Express will provide a fast reliable Express will provide a fast reliable rail<01:10:39.520> connection
  • Chair, and thank you, committee members. ...with the Northern Lights Express.
Bills: HF1167, HF1242
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • And yes, there is a free option.
  • Including free credit monitoring, free, uh, account monitoring.
  • Um, we offer a free savings account.
  • a free, um, a free savings program that allows people to, um, put a little bit away out of every paycheck
  • We offer free credit monitoring. We offer free, free, um, account monitoring. So if you.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, let's pause to express our deepest gratitude, not only for what he did in uniform, but for the
  • Competition is fundamental in the free market and especially in this economy.
  • Speaker, at the end of the day, a free market economy requires that players compete in good faith and
  • His horse of steel and rocket fuel propelled a high-octane expression of American exploration into the
  • This expression of American patriotism joins the endless parade of cross-country events as an encore
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 1156. six expressing support Resolution 1156. six expressing support for<03:06:55.279> tax<03
  • And it provides free passes on plans.
  • And it gives polluters a free pass in communities that can least afford it.
  • And it gives polluters a free pollution.
  • 29.680> for<05:44:29.920> tax resolution expressing support for tax resolution expressing
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • be given your Second, the bill revises the reporting frequency from annually to every five years to free
  • With that, are there any additional folks who want to express support or any additional folks who want
  • to express opposition?
  • wish to express support?
  • Great, any folks wish to express opposition? Okay, we'll bring it back to committee.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Disregulated gene expressions were identified across oncogenic driver genes.
  • ,<01:34:43.199> immune spike protein expression, immune spike protein expression, immune activation
  • which interact with A2 expressions which interact with A2 expressing<01:50:31.600> tissues<01
  • If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
  • If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources. Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading. Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is not live free or die. Here, no good has ever come from centering books.
  • This is not live free or die. Here, no good has ever come from centering books.
  • This is not live free or die. Here, no good has ever come from centering books.
  • It comes free.
  • It comes free.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine big fixes for big tech. Apr 1st, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Big tech is currently. free to put its own interests first without customers' knowledge.
  • I care deeply about these issues and how we ensure a free and plural press into the future.
  • Restoring the free market requires multiple big fixes.
  • It's critically important, and I think we all understand the value of a free and plural press.
  • And help create prosperity where there is no access to free and open markets.
Summary: The meeting, titled 'Big Fixes, Big Tech', marked the first hearing of the Senate antitrust competition policy and consumer rights subcommittee in the 119th Congress. Chairman Lee opened the session focusing on the urgent need for effective solutions regarding anti-competitive behavior among major tech firms like Google and Facebook, highlighting several ongoing court cases regarding monopolistic practices in the digital advertising and search markets. Key discussions included the limitations imposed on small businesses and innovation due to the dominance of these tech giants, with many testimonies advocating for stronger legislative measures, including the America Act. The act aims to disrupt the monopolistic capabilities of these firms and restore competitive integrity in the marketplace, which has suffered under their oppressive market control.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Mar 4th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Florida Free Kill Law prevents me and my family from getting those answers and getting the closure
  • Here and after, I will refer to it as Florida’s free kill law. My child is a free kill.
  • This law, the Free Kill Law, is not just a shame on the state of Florida.
  • The family has expressed to me in their pain and anguish that they will sue me, and I'm sure they will
  • The family has expressed to me in their pain and anguish that they will sue me, and I'm sure they will
Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 04/02/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:11:18.880> We formula to free and reduced meals.
  • We formula to free and reduced meals.
  • Our reach programs are free to schools.
  • I'm here to express opportunity today.
  • They are free and open to all.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all