Video & Transcript Research : 'free expression'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Offering a chaperone and honoring the patient's choice to accept or decline is a concrete expression
- Massachusetts is fantastic because we pay for free community college, but it's not enough.
- We pay for free community college, but it's not enough.
- In the end, the reality of living pain free versus returning to the career.
- Before I share my personal story, I want to express my appreciation for the 2014 law that established
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers.
Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And NetChoice is a trade association that stands for free enterprise and free expression online.
- It only requires prior express consent for unsolicited advertising texts.
- It only requires prior express consent for unsolicited advertising texts.
- It only requires prior express consent for unsolicited advertising texts.
- >
speech <04:17:28.080>with is to balance free speech with is to balance free speech with
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- We will now turn to folks in the room who wish to express support for ACA 8.
- Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
- Any additional folks in the room wish to express opposition?
- Any additional folks in the room wish to express opposition? Okay.
- Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the health and well-being of youth in California to thrive and live authentically for themselves, free
- Since the election in 2024, I’ve been having distressing conversations with my patients who express high
- levels of concern and anxiety and ...distressing conversations with my patients who express high levels
- What we created wasn't construction; it was culture, a collective expression..."
- I know Washington State has expressed interest.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a lengthy agenda of Senate bills, with most measures ultimately advancing on party-line or broad bipartisan votes after substantial testimony and several amendments. Early in the hearing, SB 418 by Sen. Menjivar was presented as a health access bill to codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and require coverage for up to a 12-month supply of medically approved hormone therapy; supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care amid federal threats, while there was no opposition testimony. The committee later also took up SB 456, which would exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements for commissioned fine art murals; supporters said recent enforcement had chilled mural projects and harmed artists and communities, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 641, part of the wildfire response package, and SB 774, a sunset review bill for the Department of Real Estate and Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, also advanced with support and no opposition. SB 775 and SB 776, sunset extensions for the behavioral sciences, psychology, and optometry boards, passed after witnesses described technical changes and the need to keep the boards operating. SB 777, dealing with abandoned cemeteries, drew testimony from local governments, industry, and counties; after amendments removed a local takeover mandate and shifted the bill toward a stakeholder working group and study process, opposition softened or was withdrawn and the bill moved forward to Local Government. SB 790, on interstate reciprocity for online higher education, generated the most debate, with supporters arguing California students and institutions need stronger consumer protections and access to the national reciprocity framework, while opponents said the bill’s terms conflicted with the existing compact; it passed as amended to Appropriations after committee members emphasized continued work on student protections. The consent calendar, including SB 389 and SB 861, was also approved, and the committee adjourned after additional vote changes were recorded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I get to that, I'd like to express my support for two additional bills: Senate Bill 2241, an act
- Almost 75% of the on-road diesel pool is now fossil-fuel-free, with no retrofitting of either pumps or
- We've got the Mass Fleet Advisor Program, which offers free fleet electrification services, We've got
- the Mass Fleet Advisor Program, which offers free fleet electrification services to private fleets.
- So with that, I’ll be free here for any comments, and it’s really great to see everyone.
Summary:
The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless of the viewpoint they express
- I understand, I actually share a lot of the same concerns as my colleague expressed, and I do understand
- I understand, I actually share a lot of the same concerns as my colleague expressed, and I do understand
- And I want to thank the senator for her call today and for allowing me to express my concerns about the
- So you're taking this public defender to a public meeting and then expressing all of these things to
Summary:
The committee heard multiple bills, with extensive discussion focused on short-term rental regulation, street vending, park/public safety financing, transit-oriented housing fees, and demographic data collection. SB 346 would require short-term rental platforms to provide local governments with listing addresses and related information to help collect transient occupancy taxes and enforce local ordinances; supporters argued cities and counties need the data to identify unlicensed operators and recover taxes, while opposition from platforms raised privacy and due process concerns and said administrative subpoenas already exist. The bill was amended and passed 7-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 635, the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, sought to protect street vendors’ personal information from being shared in ways that could expose them to federal immigration enforcement; supporters described raids and fear in vendor communities, and the bill passed 6-1 to Public Safety. SB 499 would clarify that certain park and recreation facilities designated in local safety or hazard mitigation plans can qualify for fee deferral exemptions when they serve emergency or public safety functions; supporters said parks can serve as fire buffers, evacuation sites, and recovery hubs, while some housing advocates sought a clearer nexus to development impacts. The bill passed as amended 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 358, which would modernize traffic impact fee rules to better reflect lower automobile trip generation for walkable, transit-oriented housing, drew support from housing and transportation advocates and passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 515, aimed at improving demographic data collection and reporting by local governments and state entities, passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote.
The committee also took up SB 276, presented by Assembly Member Stefani on behalf of Senator Wiener, which would allow San Francisco to create a permit-and-enforcement system for the sale of commonly stolen goods on sidewalks. Supporters said the measure is needed to address fencing operations and protect legitimate vendors, while emphasizing it is narrowly targeted and not aimed at food vendors or permitted sellers. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 276, with supporters from the Mission street vendor community and San Francisco Public Works describing enforcement problems and the need for clearer rules and city resources.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm just going to express my incredible frustration with this bill, this bill presentation, and the
- These are high-quality, tuition-free, and debt-free career pathways where students earn while they learn
- I am the communications director with Nevada Rural Housing, and I would like to express strong support
- Nevada Rural Housing and I would like to express strong support for AB 475.
- We are hopeful that these changes address the concerns expressed by our stakeholders.
Bills:
AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466
Keywords:
emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If companies want to come in and give a better discount, they're free to do that.
- money and ensures that future policyholders will be able to... ...people pay their premiums interest-free
- But feel free. I'm good with a heck of it. We'll wait to see on the floor.
- I went out of my way for many years to water down my public expression of my experiences. ...to fit a
- I'm here today to express our opposition to HB 778 and ask the committee to consider the harmful impact
Bills:
HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689
Keywords:
credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- However, do they have a constitutional right to express their opinions? Yes, they do.
- That is not protected in the Constitution under free speech. That is what this bill speaks to.
- We're not taking away somebody's First Amendment right to express opinion.
- This certainly is true how precious our First Amendment right is to free speech.
- This certainly is true how precious our First Amendment right is to free speech.
Summary:
The House met, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and first took up a motion to request Senate consent for an extended adjournment. Representative Volk opposed the motion, arguing members should keep working on unfinished business, while Speaker Montenegro said the House had completed its current budget work and was waiting on the governor to return to negotiations. The motion passed 31-20, and the House also agreed to a related Senate adjournment request and to return HB 2415 to the Senate for reconsideration.
The chamber then went into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1199, concerning the Salt River wild horse herd, was amended to pause removals for a genetic diversity study and received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1399 on Medicaid spending transparency, SB 1496, SB 1497, SB 1582, SB 1713, and SB 1798 were also amended and advanced. SB 1713 drew the most debate, with supporters saying it would expand pharmacist access to basic care and improve rural and veteran access, while opponents warned it expanded scope of practice beyond pharmacists’ training. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, ordered several bills engrossed, and sent SB 1399 to third reading.
In a second Committee of the Whole, SB 1214 and SB 1670 were further amended and advanced. The House then moved to third reading and voted on multiple bills. SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1171, SB 1242, SB 1270, SB 1419, SB 1429, SB 1445, SB 1452, SB 1478, and SB 1566 passed, while SB 1099 and SB 1635 failed on the initial vote. Members then used reconsideration motions to place SB 1006 and SB 1635 back on the third-reading calendar. The session ended with personal privilege remarks recognizing correctional officers, Cinco de Mayo guests, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, and other tributes, followed by adjournment until June 1, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and did just want to take a moment to express deep appreciation to the advocates and stakeholders
- and did just want to take a moment<00:15:13.200>
to <00:15:13.959>um <00:15:14.040>express - <00:15:15.079>
deep <00:15:15.240>appreciation moment to um express deep appreciation - moment to um express deep appreciation to<00:15:16.480>
the <00:15:16.560>advocates <00 - Free Access Coalition in support. I also got seven individuals in support and one in opposition.
Bills:
SCR48
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, 910, house, all
Summary:
The Housing Committee met on SCR 48, which declares that affordable housing credits are perpetual and remain valid until redeemed, and asks counties to recognize them without expiration dates. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers saying the resolution clarifies the intent of the 2024 act and provides clear parameters for the credits. No one testified in opposition or offered questions.
The committee then took up SCR 48 for decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is. The measure passed with one member voting with reservations. The chair noted this was the committee’s final hearing of the year and thanked advocates, stakeholders, staff, and IT support before adjourning.
The transcript also included portions of the Transportation Committee and a joint Transportation/Housing hearing. Transportation advanced SCR 31 on school bus driver licensing and workforce improvements, SCR 132 urging Honolulu to prioritize the rail extension, SCR 145 on studying a demerit point system, and SCR 110 SD 1 on evaluating state-owned logistics facilities for housing projects. SCR 110 drew support from labor groups, with a request to add labor representation to the working group. The committees adopted recommendations on those measures, including SCR 110 with amendments.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Education, the governor’s office, or anybody in government because government had expressed
- expressed before that date, Mr. expressed before that date, Mr.
- President<01:23:44.159>
government <01:23:44.560>had <01:23:44.800>expressed <01: - 23:45.199>
the President government had expressed the President government had expressed the governor - that they were aware of the expressed that they were aware of the problems<01:23:51.040>
with
NJ
Transcript Highlights:
- ... ...to make sure that your position and what you feel can actually be expressed through the communication
- attending our budget hearings or contacting legislators with emails, letters, and phone calls to express
- Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy.
- 1322, sponsored by Senator Pennacchio, requires consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with free
- Consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with free credit reports three times during any 12-month
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- of a federal government that is eager to use data and use surveillance to investigate people who express
- Since the inception of the free phone calls and the tablets, the investigations inside the facilities
- I've heard more of our members express fear of police than fear of clients.
- police, they cannot report instances of violence from clients, which keeps dangerous predators roaming free
- I've heard more of our members express fear of police than fear of clients.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 28 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Speaker, we also clarify things for our law enforcement agents who have expressed to us concerns
- From the Chief Justice of the trial court, the Honorable Heidi Brigger, where she expresses her support
- Instead, he roams free in the Dominican Republic.
- If you work hard, it doesn't come to you free. You have to work. And that's what we did.
- From the front lines, they too express frustration with the perception that a federal agency is being
Summary:
The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority.
Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 21st, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- about the amendments, and what we're trying to do is, on that amendment, if somebody kind of gets a free
- I can't say any better than what my colleagues have expressed.
- We hope if she can be seizure free for six months. So the point behind the bill.
- So in light of that, I cannot even express to you the trauma that my trauma that my heart.
- In light of that, I cannot even express to you the trauma that my son went through that night, how he
Bills:
HCR32, HB493, HB679, HB745, HB896, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1159, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1208, HB1218
Keywords:
Saint Claude Avenue Bridge, Port of New Orleans, backup motors, infrastructure, traffic management, expropriation, property rights, Amite River Basin, drainage, East Feliciana Parish, St. Helena Parish, government authority, traumatic brain injury, identification card, law enforcement training, medical verification, disability rights, special permits, transportation, tandem loads
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and considered a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. It reported favorably House Bill 745, extending special permits for tandem loads hauling containers to and from port facilities; House Bill 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; and House Bill 1050, which clarifies commercial driver’s license rules, including age and intrastate/interstate driving limits. The committee also approved House Bill 1172 naming a portion of U.S. Highway 165 in Oberlin the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway, House Bill 1218 naming a portion of Louisiana Highway 1090 the Lewis Pat Miramon Memorial Highway, House Concurrent Resolution 32 urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and House Bill 1207 on public contracting standards and competition in public bidding.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 896, which responds to tolling issues at the Belle Chasse bridge project. The bill would require toll signage, local toll customer service centers, dispute procedures, and limits on administrative fees, with amendments addressing effective dates, in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, law-enforcement exemptions, and limits on certain charges. The author and witnesses described high administrative fees, long travel distances to customer service locations, and problems with toll bills, while committee members noted the issue was complex and ongoing. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee also heard House Bill 1159, allowing Jefferson Parish municipalities to use automated speed enforcement devices again under local control. Supporters from Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, and Kenner said photo enforcement reduced crashes, improved safety, and helped limited police resources, while opponents were not emphasized in the transcript. After discussion about whether the measure should be voluntarily or involuntarily deferred, the committee ultimately deferred the bill. House Bill 493, which would prohibit expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony about reservoir fears and local opposition; the committee voluntarily deferred it. House Bill 679, as substituted, created a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and required related law-enforcement training; witnesses described personal experiences with brain injury and the need for officers to recognize communication and behavioral effects, and the committee reported the substitute favorably. House Bill 1173, which waives late fees for certain reinstatement-relief payment plans for driver’s licenses, was also reported favorably, and House Bill 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party prestige plate was approved as well.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for being very informative. ...informative, and thank you for expressing yourselves as Texans
- Your priority in the first session was to get Trump his five free seats.
- Then you won't need to give Trump five free seats because he asks for it.
- Citizens are showing up to the Capitol in mass to express that they do not want our maps redrawn.
- Isn't this supposed to be the land of the free?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is a small way to express our gratitude to the public servants who keep our communities safe
- And we also have a letter from the Oklahoma State Treasurer expressing an interest in doing something
- In practical terms, a retail store would not know the difference between this card or an American Express
- So if you have concerns, you need to feel free to speak and tell us because the whole point of this..
- needs to be 100% secure, and it needs to have our Texans 100% in mind, not just financially, but also free
Keywords:
SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- hawks... won the next session after the Texas Tribune revealed that similar kits have always been free
- I know that some of you have expressed concern... about what do we do whenever they're driving recklessly
- I want to express our gratitude for that.
- When I expressed that I was upset because I didn't have a ride home, I didn't receive any sort of, "Oh
- All right, I believe we have… cannot do this for free. Right. They have to be a full-time employee.
Bills:
HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40
Keywords:
mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/11/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Scammers are also attracted to sales tax-free New Hampshire.
- Let the record tax-free New Hampshire.
- You'll get a free $5 gift something.
- I'm here today to express my strong support for Senate Bill 267.
- New Hampshire Traffic Free Coalition. New Hampshire Traffic Free Coalition.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Domestic Violence Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And then if we have any questions, feel free to let me know so that we can have a conversation.
- And then if we have any questions, feel free to let me know so that we can have a conversation.
- So I just want to express my sincere thanks. I'm thankful that you guys are here.
- But I wound up doing it for two years for free. Everybody doesn't have that luxury.
- But I wound up doing it for two years for free. Everybody doesn't have that luxury.
Summary:
The committee met to discuss domestic violence with a focus on teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and the impact of technology on abuse. Chair Blanca Rubio opened by describing the urgency of the issue, including a recent teen murder in her district tied to domestic violence, and emphasized that restraining orders alone do not prevent abuse. The first panel featured Janica Morin Pasquale and Taylor Stone Mill, who described warning signs in teens such as constant monitoring through phones and social media, isolation from friends, jealousy normalized by online content, and control through gifts, food delivery, and access to passwords or tracking apps. They stressed that many teens do not tell parents, that parents often miss the signs, and that prevention should begin early and be reinforced in schools, homes, and youth activities. They also cited resources such as Love Is Respect, One Love, and Take It Down, and urged consistent funding and implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act rather than one-time lessons.
The second panel shifted to the effects of domestic violence on children and the systems that respond to them. Joyce Blue of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center described the center’s wraparound services, including forensic interviews, legal help, housing support, child therapy, and high-risk response, and highlighted the prevalence and danger of strangulation, including cases with no visible injury. She explained that domestic violence is about power and control, that children often normalize abuse, and that safety planning must accompany restraining orders. Susie Flores of Inner Circle Children’s Advocacy Center explained the multidisciplinary forensic interview model used for child abuse cases, gave examples of severe abuse involving children exposed to domestic violence, and noted that many centers are overwhelmed by caseloads. She stressed the need for immediate trauma-informed services and more front-end intervention rather than waiting until long-term harm develops.
Dr. Pamela Tate of Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence and other members discussed the need to support not only victims but also the systems and educators who are expected to respond. Several members shared personal experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault, and family trauma, and raised concerns about school implementation, immigrant families’ fear of reporting, and the need to address abusers’ behavior and trauma as well. The discussion also touched on statute of limitations issues, with panelists saying memory and trauma can delay disclosure for years and that rigid deadlines can prevent justice. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with members expressing support for continued collaboration, prevention funding, and stronger implementation of existing law.