Video & Transcript Research : 'First Amendment rights'

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OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe there's a full amendment one without objection. We'll adopt.
  • I understand that some have concerns the amendment that we adopted.
  • But I do feel like that amendment directly resolves some of those issues.
  • But I do feel like that amendment directly resolves some of those issues.
  • This taxpayer bill of rights moved option. Yield questions. Having do pass and a second.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/26/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 2862 is a blatant violation of protected First Amendment rights.
  • First Amendment protections.
  • We're saying that people do have a First Amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom of protest
  • There is still somebody's First Amendment right. Madam Chair, and are you allowed to disrupt?
  • Amendment right.
Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. HB 2749, as amended, would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as class 1 misdemeanors after five years and after completion of sentence terms, with exclusions for crimes such as cruelty to animals, weapons misconduct, and failure to register as a sex offender. Supporters framed it as a redemption and reintegration measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one not voting. HB 2870 would prohibit certain level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling, with exceptions for relatives, community reentry centers, and certain existing supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood residents described a real-life situation in Chandler involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push people into homelessness and undermine supervision. After testimony from residents, housing operators, and a structured-housing provider, the committee approved the bill 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which increases penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, drew support from the City of Scottsdale and opposition from the ACLU over First Amendment concerns; it passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2364 would create criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs, including felony penalties for providers and a misdemeanor for ordering such drugs by mail. Supporters said it would enforce existing law and protect women; opponents argued it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The committee gave it a 4-3 due pass recommendation. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would streamline satisfaction of eviction judgments when tenants have paid and allow sealing of eviction records in some cases; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes the 45-day waiting period before some repeat DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, also passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also considered HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating a new offense for interfering with a religious service or worship by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt the service. Supporters, including ADL and Jewish community representatives, said it would protect worshippers from obstruction and intimidation; opponents argued it was vague, unnecessary, and could chill protest speech. After extensive debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution to SCR 1004, would require voter approval for local photo enforcement systems and periodic reauthorization; it was discussed with support from city and league representatives, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • He then moved the A3 amendment. The A3 amendment was adopted.
  • All right, Chair Howard renews the motion that House File 4207, as amended, be referred to the Committee
  • Any discussion to the amendment? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. All right.
  • All right. Representative >> I. Opposed. All right.
  • . amended. amended.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 18th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ensure people continue to have that First Amendment free speech.
  • I'm going to go right to the late-file amendment.
  • All right, okay, great. Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
  • Is there any debate on the amendment? Senator Graal, you're right?
  • All right, okay, great. Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to consider several criminal justice and court-related bills, along with the committee’s proposed $7.9 billion budget. The committee first heard and approved CS/SB 600 on bail bonds, as amended to adjust solicitation, cash bond return, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures; CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses and was amended to correct a drafting issue; CS/SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction for dangerous crimes; SB 1332 on career offender registration, adding in-person reporting, more detailed registration requirements, and stronger penalties for noncompliance; and CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, a domestic violence measure adopted via a substitute amendment that adds stricter penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures. All of those bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for statewide review, and opponents raising concerns about free speech, the definition of anti-Semitism, and possible conflation of criticism of Israel with hate speech. Senators also discussed the bill’s scope and the IHRA definition before it was reported favorably. In addition, CS/SB 532 on clerks of court was amended to clarify foreclosure sale procedures and funding predictability for clerks, then reported favorably. CS/SB 644 on attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs was also approved after amendments that aligned family-law fee provisions and codified standards for fee awards in dissolution and paternity cases; the sponsor said the bill was intended to curb vexatious litigation and improve consistency across districts. After the bill actions, the chair summarized the criminal and civil justice budget, describing it as a disciplined proposal that addresses corrections deficits and future inmate growth while funding core public safety needs. The committee then heard substantial public testimony on prison conditions, staffing, pay, heat, infrastructure, and the possibility of reducing prison populations or adding air conditioning in facilities. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill SB 1634 would be temporarily postponed to the following week, and the record was supplemented with the names of many people who had registered to speak for or against those bills. The meeting concluded after members were invited to record votes and the committee adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 10th, 2026

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right. Very good. We have an amendment. You want to You have a amendment.
  • You want to You have a All right. We have an amendment offered by Senator Coleman-Madison.
  • We accept that as a friendly amendment. All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you both. All right.
  • We accept that as a friendly amendment. amendment. amendment. >> All<00:28:57.679> right.
  • So, the amendment has been All right.
Bills: SB249, SB259, HB67, HB214
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 09:03 am

House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first The first building here this morning is House Memorial 26, and I am presenting it.
  • All right, thank you, Madam Chair.
  • We can sell them, which the rescues do have first right of refusal on all of the horses that, We detain
  • Next up is Representative Cates I broke it, I pay for it, right? All right.
  • Okay, any issues with this amendment? Move the amendment. Okay, you have an amended bill. Great.
Bills: HM26, HB243, HB109
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 01-28-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right.
  • and Dav is first. and Dav is first.
  • the right way to do it. the right way to do it.
  • She said is right. She said is right.
  • This happens, right? And I I intentions. This happens, right?
Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Judiciary Committee Feb 19th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • and Fourth Amendment rights.
  • So what redress do those citizens have where their First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, or Fifth Amendment
  • But all right, do you offer that amendment? I do, sir. Is there a second?
  • All right, let's deal with the first one, will you? Let's deal with the first one, will you?
  • All right. Any questions concerning this amendment?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Child Committee Meeting - 2026-04-15

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right. Next, members, we have the A7 amendment to the DE amendment.
  • All right. Members, discussion to the A7 amendment to the amendment.
  • amendment is adopted. amendment is adopted. All<01:19:35.520> right. All right.
  • Next we have the A8 amendment All right.
  • the A11 amendment. the A11 amendment. All<01:30:53.920> right.
Bills: HF4382, HF2929
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the first I'll just get right to it.
  • What's the next amendment >> All right. What's the next amendment here?
  • Um, so this amendment would— I need to move my amendment first. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • All right. Mr. Hurst, do you want to go first? Thank you, Mr. Chairman and committee members.
  • That's right. So then I would just move House File 3513 as amended.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/26/2026 - Senate Finance

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, first up to speak, any questions, Senator Bolick?
  • All right, first up to speak, any questions, Senator Bullock?
  • Right.
  • Right.
  • All right, first up, our county assessor, Maricopa County Assessor, that is, Mr. Cook.
Summary: The committee began with staff and page introductions, then took up a series of previously heard bills, mostly related to cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, and SCR 1003 dealt with allowing public entities to invest in virtual currency, accept cryptocurrency payments, and exempt virtual currency from property tax. Supporters framed the measures as modernization, while opponents argued crypto is risky, fraudulent, and a poor use of public funds. All four measures were recommended do pass on narrow 4-3 votes, with Democrats generally opposed. The committee also heard SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new interpretation or application of tax law that could adversely affect taxpayers. The sponsor said the bill was meant to front-load disputes and avoid surprise tax changes; it passed 4-3. SB 1142, which would have Arizona opt into a new federal scholarship tax credit program and require ADOR to administer it, drew extensive testimony. Supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for students in public, charter, private, and home education settings and keep donations in Arizona. Opponents argued it would divert money from public schools, lack accountability, and primarily benefit wealthier families. The bill passed 4-3 after lengthy debate. The committee then questioned Department of Revenue officials about a press release on Arizona tax forms and federal conformity after H.R. 1. Members focused on why the department told taxpayers not to wait to file, how the state conforms to federal changes, and whether amended returns would be needed if the Legislature changes the forms later. DOR said the forms were issued assuming conformity, that most taxpayers would not be affected by pending changes, and that amended returns could be required for some retroactive provisions; members criticized the guidance as confusing and potentially costly. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on conveyance documents before recording, to reduce deed fraud and clarify acceptance of property transfers. County assessors supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole and improve records; it passed 6-0 with one member not voting. The committee then began SB 1252, the Uniform Assignment for Benefit of Creditors Act, with testimony from the Arizona Uniform Laws Commission explaining that it would create a more uniform framework for asset assignments and creditor claims, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And Senator Byrd, I believe you are first.
  • All right. Thank you very much.
  • First ring only. You did fill out a card. All right, anyway, have a seat.
  • She was the first nurse and the first African-American from Dallas to be elected to Congress.
  • Arrow next to it, whatever that says, okay, right? I guess we need to move it, right?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It has to be done by a constitutional amendment, but the time is right to prepare us for the next cycle
  • uh but the time constitutional amendment uh but the time is<00:03:21.720> right<00:03:21.959>
  • All right, we will move on to testimony, and then we will get to the one amendment that we have for the
  • I'm first right off the bat, I'm going to recommend a no vote on the amendment.
  • um the uh oral in um yes the first um the uh oral Amendment<01:16:03.159> I'm<01:16:03.320>
Bills: HF550, HF412, HF796, HF140
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Business Apr 7th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • Great job on your first at the helm, and thank you, members.
  • secret ballot in union representation decisions, protects employee privacy, and it protects employer rights
  • Right now, we need economic diversification in the state of Oklahoma.
  • You just got to go about it in the right way. Thank you for your consideration. I urge you, yes.
  • That was my first debate, so Sorry about the pause on that.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Rules Mar 3rd, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • We can go to the amendment. All right, so there are two amendments.
  • All right, so just getting it in the right order, first we need to take up Amendment 534222.
  • First, we need to take up Amendment 534222.
  • All right, that's Amendment Barcode 4940. the strike all amendment.
  • All right, that's amendment barcode 494040.
Summary: The committee first took up SB 354, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which creates a framework for large planned communities on at least 15,000 contiguous acres with 60% reserved area and a streamlined local review process. Senator McLean presented the bill and a strike-all amendment, and members raised concerns about local control, conservation enforceability, data centers, concurrency, multi-county projects, and whether reserve lands could later be converted. Audubon Florida and 1,000 Friends of Florida opposed the bill, arguing the conservation protections were not permanent enough and that the reserve areas could be changed later; small-county representatives also worried about tax-base impacts. Supporters argued the bill would better manage growth, preserve green space, and provide a more orderly alternative to sprawl. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The committee then approved SB 620 on candidate qualifying, which requires candidates for federal, state, county, district, judiciary, school, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship. Amendments added disclosure about whether federal candidates intend to trade stock if elected and adjusted 2026 congressional qualifying procedures in the event of redistricting, including a new qualifying window and petition rules. The bill was reported favorably after brief support from a member of the public and discussion about candidate vetting. The committee also reported favorably CS/CS/CS/SB 1452, a Department of Financial Services bill with amendments addressing My Safe Florida Home notices, condo pilot eligibility, firefighter hiring, unclaimed property, and related financial-services provisions. Next, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1620, a school board members’ bill of rights. A substitute amendment narrowed the bill to access to records, fiscal transparency, and nondisclosure agreements, while preserving board members’ rights to timely documents, budget information, and public comment, and setting deadlines for records requests. Superintendents and a school board member testified in support, saying the bill clarifies roles and prevents board members from being frozen out. The committee also passed CS/HB 245, which replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material”; one senator supported the terminology change but warned about preserving legal precedent and avoiding appellate issues. The committee then reported favorably SB 1548, an update to the Live Local affordable housing law expanding eligible sites and clarifying setbacks, airport proximity, and fair-housing protections. Finally, the committee took up the veterinary medicine bill creating veterinary professional associates. The bill allows trained master’s-level VPAs to perform limited veterinary services under a veterinarian’s supervision, and an amendment tightened the standard to immediate supervision on premises. Supporters said the measure would expand access to care, especially in rural areas with vet shortages, while opponents argued it added unnecessary regulation. After testimony from veterinary educators and others, the bill continued with support expressed by committee members, including praise for the direct-supervision amendment.