Video & Transcript Research : 'freedom of speech'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services, February 11, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services, February 11, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- while upholding freedom of conscience. while upholding freedom of conscience.
- It’s about protecting constitutional freedoms, freedom of speech, and freedoms of conscience.
- Um, at this point, uh... freedoms, freedom of speech, and freedoms, freedom of speech, and freedoms<00
- Wyoming has the freedoms of conscience.
- Um well in terms of free speech issues.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:33.600>
of start with the highest level of of start with the highest level of of training - We are here to testify in support of the Stem Cell Freedom Act.
- I'm here to testify in favor of the stem cell freedom bill.
- of the stem<00:53:20.640>
stem <00:53:20.880>cell <00:53:21.280>freedom <00:53:21.680 - <01:05:36.640>
So because of fears of needles. So because of fears of needles.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So if we're going to speak of women's freedom of choice, let's make sure she truly is reaching a choice
- freedom of choice, let's make of women's freedom of choice, let's make sure<00:27:09.279>
she - And, you know, freedom of religion is one of the fundamentals of our beliefs here in the United States
- And, you know, freedom of religion is one of the fundamentals of our beliefs here in the United States
- And, you know, freedom of religion is one of the fundamentals of our beliefs here in the United States
LA
Keywords:
mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights
TX
Keywords:
grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2026-03-26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:26:15.960>
And free speech rights of all Americans. - And free speech rights of all Americans.
- New Hampshire, that says that the essentiality of freedom in the American community of American universities
- New Hampshire, that says that the essentiality of freedom in the American community of American universities
- New Hampshire, that says that the essentiality of freedom in the American community of American universities
Keywords:
undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, state grants, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Freedom of Information Advisory Council May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to our May 2026 meeting of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.
- Mamie Locke representing the 23rd Senate District, all of the City of Hampton, and part of the City of
- of that.
- of FOIA such that any assemblage of a quorum of the constituent membership of a public body constitutes
- thousands of pieces of paper.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So of all the bills that are being heard today that may involve suppressing speech, where you're... making
- Hate speech is one thing; criticism of a foreign country or commentary on a certain current conflict
- Lastly, I would just state that when you allow the universities to be incubators of free speech, you
- It limits protest, which evidently some members of this committee may not like that speech.
- this state, to disregard the free speech of the community to which it serves the public.
Bills:
SB2972, SB1909, SB2815, SB735, SB2233, SB800, SB1069, SB2683, SB2986, SB2058, SB2310, SB2055, SB1032
Keywords:
expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- state of Texas has no authority to limit their free speech. speech once they are here.
- And free speech is especially important in the context of higher education.
- of persons by recognizing freedom of speech and assembly as central to the mission of institutions of
- HB 2233 would put public state universities in the business of monitoring. the speech of every international
- I think we've seen a lot of examples lately. of support for very legitimate political speech being conflated
Bills:
SB2972, SB1909, SB2815, SB735, SB2233, SB800, SB1069, SB2683, SB2986, SB2058, SB2310, SB2055, SB1032
Keywords:
expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- during the life of that contract. during the life of that contract.
- Sandy Ma for AAW of Hawaii. Gabbard, members of the committee.
- New issues arise in terms of immigration law, those kinds of things.
- New issues arise in terms of immigration law, those kinds of things.
- Back to the top of the top of >> All right.
Keywords:
freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment.
SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members.
SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies.
SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/20/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- speech says it includes any exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press, the right to
- You know, I'm kind of a purist on freedom of speech, too.
- of speech I concerned about freedom of speech I certainly<00:54:11.559>
have <00:54:11.720> - Specifically, protected speech includes any exercise of the right of freedom of speech or of the press
- of any exercise of the right of freedom of speech<00:56:11.960>
or <00:56:12.119>of <00
LA
Keywords:
healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, transitional housing, group home, halfway house, shelter standards, housing standards, sanitation, habitability, fire marshal, inspection, local permitting, parish government, Louisiana Department of Health
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And it goes on... or about abridging the freedom of speech.
- of speech and freedom of religion.
- of speech and the expression of religious beliefs.
- Freedom of speech and freedom of religion includes the freedom not to speak.
- freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Keywords:
Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also provides freedom of choice for Texans. Let me... yes ma'am. First of all, let me back...
- How does this bill provide freedom of choice?
- Because it's just... how does it provide more freedom of choice when you give the nurse practitioner
- Yeah, I don't mind having a discussion of should we have more freedom for APRNs in rural areas, but to
- of care because of these issues.
Keywords:
grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Analysis of HB 1393 can aid the continued growth of the travel industry and further enhance our ability
- Golfers, a lot of them, are for daylight saving time, while parents of bus students are against it.
- religion, and two, for freedom of speech regarding sincere... or held religious beliefs; three, membership
- Additionally, it prohibits any burdens on an applicant or license holder's free exercise, freedom of
- Some of those are bad actors, and some of them are Cuban.
Keywords:
grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of the committee, uh, as I said, America Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance.
- religion, 2, freedom of speech regarding sincere held religious beliefs, 3, membership in any religious
- of speech, or membership in a religious organization.
- Because of our 70 residents, most of those people are, uh, are related.
- I don't know whether it fixes all of it, but it does a very, very good job of addressing our issues of
Keywords:
grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , sex, disability, freedom of speech, or freedom of assembly.
- Being told that I have forfeited my freedom of speech simply because I am a realtor, especially based
- of speech.
- , and you guys need to band together and find a group of attorneys that support freedom of speech, religious
- That's freedom of association. That's free speech. That's protected.
Keywords:
minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing.
The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You don't have the freedom of speech.
- of the person's exercise of the person's freedom of speech or assembly, notwithstanding any provision
- rights of freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
- Freedom of expression and freedom of speech are at the heart of our U.S. Constitution.
- Freedom of expression and freedom of speech are at the heart of our U.S. Constitution.
Keywords:
minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation
Summary:
The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn.
The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Commerce and Small Business
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> I'll take care of it.
- You got... >> You still have... a bunch of you. Okay, we have a quorum.
- We're seeing a tremendous amount of roll up in franchisors, that's owners of franchises being procured
- 05:42.320>
owners <00:05:42.639>of up in franchiseors that's owners of up in franchiseors - week in hours of operation. Burger King. week in hours of operation. Burger King.
Keywords:
financial services, banking, insurance, debanking, social credit score, ESG, environmental, social, and governance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, DEI, religious freedom, free speech, viewpoint discrimination, political discrimination, firearms, gun industry, ammunition, fossil fuels, oil and gas, mining, timber