Video & Transcript : 'freedom' :
Page 49 of 268
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Some lawmakers have indicated their intention to continue growing the Education Freedom Account Program
- Based on the growth in applications, Education Freedom Accounts may top $400 million this coming year
- Income tax contributes nearly 50% of our general revenue, but it also enhances both empowerment and freedom
Committee:
All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- She is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. Oh, and these are her... I know her too.
- He is also an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. This man was down and out on his luck.
- paper, which is part of my area, the Joplin airport is there, and the old terminal they turned into a Freedom
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is to create more freedom in the market.
- So this is creating more freedom and not less freedom.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Feb 2nd, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis market, starting with her, and also Dan White with the Freedom Caucus.
- The autonomy is in the competence and the consistency, not in the freedom from obligation.
- Ironically, it arguably arrives at the conclusion that individual freedom lies in a quiet service to
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bills 2404 and 2172, then voted the substitute do pass by a roll call vote of 10-2. The bills were not discussed in detail, but the action advanced them out of committee. The committee then took up House Bill 2989, a large gaming-related bill sponsored by Representative Hardwick. Hardwick described numerous changes in the substitute, including removing references requested by the Highway Patrol, clarifying tax reporting, extending local opt-out time, changing the effective date from August 2027 to August 2028, reducing a felony penalty to a misdemeanor, increasing a casino-related fee from $2 to $4 with the extra amount going to the Missouri Veterans Commission, and adding non-severability language. Members adopted three committee amendments, including language barring previously illegal gambling machines from being licensed as video lottery terminals and requiring games to be out of line of sight from the front entrance, then adopted the revised substitute and voted HCS HB 2989 do pass by an 8-5 vote.
The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bills 1746 and 1769, both related to artificial intelligence. Representatives Miller and Amato presented the bills as an effort to establish that AI has no personhood and to create a framework for responsibility and accountability. They said the legislation was informed by outside experts and other states’ efforts, and Miller emphasized using the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI risk management framework as a baseline. Members questioned how liability would work, especially for developers, deployers, and users, and raised concerns about undefined terms such as “harm” and about possible conflict with federal policy discouraging a patchwork of state AI laws. The sponsors said the bill would be cleaned up further and that liability should generally rest with the person using or deploying the AI, not the AI itself.
During public testimony, one witness spoke in favor of the AI bills, arguing that states should act proactively rather than wait for problems and noting concern about prior federal efforts to limit state AI legislation. No witnesses spoke in opposition during the hearing. The committee then closed testimony and adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Feb 2nd, 2026
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, in that, we want to make sure that people have the freedom to choose which type of things that
- And so in that, we want to make sure that people have the freedom to choose, which type of things that
- they want. the freedom to choose, which type of things that they want maybe to treat these certain things
Committee:
House Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 1624, sponsored by Rep. Sassmann, which updates Missouri’s invasive plant law. The bill makes clerical corrections to Latin plant names and extends the existing affidavit requirement, previously applied to nurseries and nursery dealers, to seed dealers so they cannot knowingly sell seeds of listed invasive species. Support came from the Missouri Municipal League, Sierra Club, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, an individual landowner, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, all describing the bill as a needed cleanup and expansion of last year’s law. One witness from Armourvine opposed the bill, arguing the plants have medicinal uses and warning against broader restrictions on landowner choice. No vote was taken in the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 1736, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, a disaster resilience measure focused on parks and flood mitigation. The bill would allow cities and counties to use existing sales tax revenue tied to parks to buy repetitive-loss properties, remove structures, and convert those areas into natural floodways, greenways, or other stormwater management spaces that still function as parks. The sponsor and several members discussed repeated flood damage in St. Charles, St. Louis County, and other river communities, emphasizing that the proposal would help with voluntary buyouts, reduce long-term losses, and avoid expensive concrete infrastructure. Members asked about eminent domain, funding limits, and how the land would be kept from future development; the sponsor said the bill is limited to voluntary sales and local discretion.
Support for HB 1736 came from St. Charles County and the Sierra Club, which said the bill would clarify eligible park fund uses, support natural stormwater infrastructure, and protect environmental and economic resilience. Committee members from affected districts described local examples where buyouts and park conversions had worked or where flooded homes remain a burden. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- READ THIS ISN'T JUST AN ALTERNATIVE, IT IS ANOTHER OPTION THE INDIVIDUAL HAS A SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FREEDOM
- BY ADVANCING 894 YOU REAFFIRM FLORIDA'S COMMITMENT TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND COMPASSIONATE OUTCOME DRIVEN
- REHABILITATION OPTIONS, ENHANCES ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFLECTION AND ALIGNS WITH FIRST AMENDMENT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Convention of the California Legislature State of the Judiciary Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We thank you for their generosity in ensuring freedom, respect, and a growing trust in a populace that
- Like all pro bono providers, they should have our support and the freedom to represent those in need
- of their legal services, with... ...court and the freedom to represent those in need of their legal services
Summary:
The California Legislature met in Joint Convention for the annual State of the Judiciary, with remarks from legislative leaders, a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in safeguarding democracy and equal justice, and the long history of the California Supreme Court. The convention also recognized statewide constitutional officers and judges from across California.
Chief Justice Guerrero focused her address on the judicial branch’s budget needs and the impact of prior cuts, noting court closures, furloughs, and reduced services, while saying partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget would help reduce hiring freezes and service disruptions. She urged continued “three-branch” collaboration and highlighted court operations and programs, including remote hearings, judicial vacancies, court-appointed counsel funding, workload and case-complexity data, CARE Act implementation, AI guardrails, interpreter workforce training, CASA programs, kin-first child placement efforts, court facility projects, and courthouse security improvements.
She also discussed the State Bar and bar exam administration, calling for stronger oversight and remedies after recent exam failures, and addressed immigration-related court access issues, reaffirming that courts must remain open and accessible while respecting constitutional limits on state and federal authority. The convention concluded with thanks from legislative leaders and adjournment of the Joint Convention.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We are restricting them instead of giving them more freedom to choose.
- And this is definitely a restriction on their freedoms. Thank you very much.
- And I want to jealously guard my freedom and my ability to advocate for institutional knowledge and the
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed Senator Yarborough’s bill and Senate Bill 1170 at the sponsor’s request. The committee first considered Senate Bill 982 by Senator Bernard, which was amended to remove language the sponsor said had been declared unconstitutional in 2016. As amended, the bill addresses qualifying fee payment issues, allows qualifying fees to be paid by properly executed checks or debit cards linked to a candidate campaign account, creates a private right of action for qualifying challenges limited to candidates, and addresses campaign expenditures by debit card. Mark Heron testified in support, saying the bill would clarify recent qualifying disputes. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported SB 982 favorably.
The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 536, a proposed constitutional amendment to impose legislative term limits of eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate, with carve-outs for current officeholders and redistricting. An amendment to change the limits to 12 years in each chamber failed on a tie vote. Public testimony was mixed but largely opposed, with speakers from county and small-county groups arguing the proposal was a one-size-fits-all statewide mandate that would override local choice and reduce institutional knowledge. Several members debated whether the eight-year limit was the right number, with some supporting term limits in principle but questioning a lifetime ban on returning to office. The resolution was ultimately reported favorably.
The committee also considered Senate Joint Resolution 802, which would place on the 2026 ballot an eight-year term limit for county commissioners and school board members, with school board limits applied retroactively and county commissioner limits prospectively. An amendment to change the limit to 12 years failed. The Florida Association of Counties, a county commissioner, and representatives of the Small County Coalition testified against the measure, arguing that counties should retain local control through county charters and local referenda. Some senators supported the concept of term limits but raised concerns about imposing a uniform statewide rule on counties and school boards. After debate, the joint resolution was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators who had missed votes were allowed to register their positions on SB 982 and SJR 536, and the committee moved to rise.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I found out that her main issues are supporting our children with educational freedom, keeping our border
- I found out that her main issues are supporting our children with educational freedom, keeping our border
- and the United States Navy serves as a steadfast guardian of America's security at sea, defending freedom
- ... ...is a steadfast guardian of America's security at sea, defending freedom, preserving economic prosperity
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing me to present House Bill 1778, the Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act.
- It's a freedom protected from it. You'll also hear House Bill 2760 today, the Praise Act.
- And so I'm just saying that as self-governing people, we have got to have the freedom.
- So the debate here isn't between freedom and religious liberty versus government control.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- bill condition, state economic development, incentives on instructions and interferes with workers' freedoms
- Chair Salzman: Christian Camara, Freedom Foundation, waives in support.
- It would enhance worker freedom by ensuring that unionization in covered workplaces is democratic.
- I've never known anyone that was forced to participate in the union and that's their freedom to do so
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 20th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Kathleen Murray, State Education Director for Citizens Defending Freedom, speaking in strong support
- Citizens Defending Freedom most strongly supports. Thank you. Thank you.
- My name is Isabella and I'm here speaking on behalf of Citizens Defending Freedom in support of SB 1010
- I'm I'm here speaking on behalf of Citizens Defending Freedom in support of SB 1010 in Miami.
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment.
SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 5th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is an honor to be in the United States of America to protect all our rights, all our freedoms, and
- it is an honor to play a song from a beautiful All our freedoms, and it's an honor to play a song from
- Where immigrants are under attack, women's reproductive freedom is being stripped, and health care for
- She is a defender of California and the freedoms that we are all sworn to protect.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Father God, thank you for this day, for our…” Families, friends, and the freedoms we enjoy in our nation
- Let justice roll and… Freedom ring. In Jesus’ name, amen.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress passed the FACE Act, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, and this adequately protects
- Um, obviously we are not going to accept physical interference, abuses of freedom of speech, and, you
- Obviously, we are not going to accept physical interference, abuses of freedom of speech, and, you know
- c> of</c><00:56:03.480><c> speech</c><00:56:03.960><c> and</c><00:56:04.720><c> you</c> abuses of freedom
- of speech and you abuses of freedom of speech and you know,<00:56:04.840><c> as</c><00:56:05.040><c>
Bills:
SCR96 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166 , SCR182 , SCR7 , SCR59 , SCR58 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR184 , SCR11 , HB2296 , HB2315 , HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Mar 18th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, now this serves to preserve private property rights and a freedom of contract, and also, they were
- Um, now this serves to preserve private property rights and a freedom of contract, and also, they were
- preserve private property rights<00:32:16.240><c> and</c><00:32:16.399><c> a</c><00:32:16.559><c> freedom
- of</c><00:32:16.960><c> contract</c><00:32:18.320><c> um</c><00:32:18.880><c> and</c> rights and a freedom
- of contract um and rights and a freedom of contract um and and<00:32:19.600><c> also</c><00:32:20.799
Committee:
House State Government
Keywords:
expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, construction management
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 13th, 2026 at 10:19 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Think about that for one second, that he thought so much of freedom and thought so much of the ideal
- Talking about freedom, this is a country that has been fighting for freedom for a very long time, is
- year-olds have fought in every major war that this country's ever had, the defender of rights and freedoms
- And I know it's nice to be able to have that freedom to be able to say, you know what?
- And we can allow the parents to have their freedom.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead, he took all that focus and went to work with the American Freedom from Hungary Foundation and
- across the Commonwealth so that future generations will understand the cost of hatred and the value of freedom
- Orwell famously said that slavery is freedom and freedom is slavery.
- But we will not preserve freedom by attacking freedom. And that's what this bill does now.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- studies with the goal of dismantling the broader infrastructure of racial justice built by Black freedom
- From its very beginning, when Biddy Mason petitioned for her freedom from slavery in Los Angeles as one
- From its very beginning, when Biddy Mason petitioned for her freedom from slavery in Los Angeles as one
- honor those who endured injustice and reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect the rights and freedoms
- And if we cherish freedom, we must guard it carefully, especially in moments of fear, and certainly in
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- allows both sides to be heard by the workers and something that we should do in a state that holds freedom
- More encroachment on our freedom to be able to do whatever we want.
- because that can disrupt an otherwise harmonious workplace environment that they have, and have the freedom
- because that can disrupt an otherwise harmonious workplace environment that they have, and have the freedom
- And sometimes it's best to leave the freedom up to us.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking