Transcript Highlights:

• But your bill intentionally and purposely talks about not for immigration, which is a federal law.
• We have a federal law and a whole law on immigration, which we all can agree desperately needs lots of
• If we want to adjust immigration laws, I'm all in.
• Chair, Senator, when it comes to federal immigration law, it is a domain that is primarily reserved to
• And so the three things that we lined out here, protective health care, immigration, and first I'm a

Bills: SB40 , SB104 , SB136 , SB164

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• My mother bravely immigrated to the U.S. with me when I was two.
• The focus then became my mother's immigration status, not my abuse.
• The focus then became my mother's immigration status, not my abuse.
• I tried to adjust my immigration status.
• Yes, I know a lot has been brought up today about immigration.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety held an informational hearing in Pomona on sex work-related crimes and efforts to combat human trafficking. The chair and Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez framed the issue as a major public safety and victim-protection concern, referencing the repeal of the loitering law in SB 357 and the recent enactment of AB 379, which targets buyers of sex rather than sex workers. The hearing was organized into three panels: data and research, policing and anti-trafficking efforts, and courtroom/prosecution impacts. In the first panel, the California Department of Justice presented arrest and conviction data for the repealed loitering statute, noting overall declines from 2019 to 2022 but also explaining that the data did not distinguish clearly between people selling sex, people loitering to sell, and people purchasing sex. USC law professor Hannah Gary summarized a 2021 report finding that law enforcement stings and raids often lack transparency, disproportionately harm Black women, minors, LGBTQ+ people, and undocumented migrants, and rarely achieve the stated goals of protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers, or preventing trafficking. The ACLU of Southern California argued that criminalization of sex work is discriminatory and historically used to police women and people of color, and that laws aimed at buyers still harm sex workers and can increase immigration consequences. Committee members asked about data collection, racial disparities, and whether the new law could worsen profiling; the panelists urged public health approaches, better data, and more survivor services. The second panel featured the California DOJ human trafficking coordinator, Pomona Police Chief Mike Ellis, and survivor advocate Jess Torres of Rising Worldwide. DOJ described its regional trafficking teams, task forces, victim services, and prosecutions, emphasizing a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach. Chief Ellis said SB 357 limited police intervention and contributed to visible open-air prostitution near schools and other sensitive locations, citing complaints from residents and a reported drop in juvenile rescues in Pomona after the law changed; he supported AB 63-style enforcement with safeguards and service referrals. Torres, speaking as a survivor, argued that anti-trafficking policy must be survivor-led, that many youth in the sex trade are boys or LGBTQ youth, and that criminalization and street enforcement often worsen harm and displacement rather than solving the underlying problems. In the final panel, a Riverside County deputy district attorney said AB 63 could help law enforcement make earlier contact with potential victims and identify traffickers, while stressing the need for training, documentation, and oversight. A Los Angeles County public defender argued that prosecuting trafficked people reinforces traffickers’ control, creates lifelong barriers, and retraumatizes survivors, and pointed to diversion programs as a better model. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking began its testimony by describing its survivor services and crisis response work. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, but with committee members and witnesses continuing to debate the balance between enforcement, data collection, and survivor-centered services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas in 2006, following the passage of anti-immigrant federal legislation and an anti-immigrant
• </c><01:24:04.560><c> federal</c> passage of anti-immigrant federal passage of anti-immigrant federal
• > legislation and anti-immigrant special legislation and anti-immigrant special legislative<01:24:08.280
• </c><01:24:37.920><c> attacks</c> intersection of anti-immigrant attacks intersection of anti-immigrant
• </c> violently separating Colorado immigrant violently separating Colorado immigrant families. families

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports and appointment recommendations. Committees reported favorably on a number of bills and appointments, including local government, health and human services, transportation and energy, business/labor/technology, and judiciary items. The chamber also announced a change on the Senate Finance Committee, with Senator Adrian Benavidez appointed to replace Senator Julie Gonzales for the remainder of the session. A major floor item was House Bill 1136, creating the Pathways to Public Service Program in the Department of Personnel and Administration to identify coursework that could qualify students for entry-level state government jobs. Supporters said it would help attract young people to public service and fill state vacancies using existing resources; opponents argued it promoted government employment over private-sector careers and could expand government unnecessarily. After debate, the Senate adopted the bill on second reading, and the Committee of the Whole report later reflected that HB 1136 passed second reading and was ordered revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1023 recognizing Latino/Latina Advocacy Day after reading it at length and hearing remarks in support of civic engagement and Latino participation in policymaking. In addition, the chamber concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 74, which clarifies penalties and procedures related to excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes; the bill then passed again on re-passage. Several other bills, including Senate Bill 63 and remaining calendar items, were laid over to later dates, and the Senate also considered and began processing consent-calendar gubernatorial appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legal residents of Minnesota going to their immigration court hearings and being abducted while following
• Legal residents of Minnesota going to their immigration court hearings and being abducted while following
• Uh, because this isn't a debate in my mind about immigration policy.
• </c> about immigration policy. about immigration policy.
• </c><00:19:53.600><c> and</c> mean, I know that the immigration and mean, I know that the immigration

Summary: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations. Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts. In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement, and laws addressing Related to federal immigration enforcement and laws addressing wage
• Among other things, it is unlawful for any agency to use an ALPR system for immigration investigation
• We understood their value, but we also understood the risk, especially for immigrant communities, if
• Last October, a report by the University of Washington showed that immigration authorities were accessing
• plate data to conduct civil immigration enforcement actions.

Summary: On January 20, 2026, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 2102, House Bill 2161, and House Bill 2332. HB 2102 would sharply limit legal financial obligations by prohibiting courts from imposing costs unless specifically authorized by statute, repealing many fees and interest on restitution, and making eliminated debts unenforceable and satisfied. The sponsor and supporters argued that LFOs are harmful, inconsistently applied, and create uncollectable debt that burdens indigent defendants and hinders reentry. Opponents, including local government and collections representatives, warned the bill would shift costs to cities and counties, reduce accountability tools, and could cost local jurisdictions millions. No vote was taken. HB 2161 would expand the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands for possible violations involving civil rights, labor standards, jail standards, immigration-related restrictions, and police use-of-force laws. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office, labor groups, and civil rights advocates said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases, while not changing substantive enforcement authority. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and business groups argued the bill was overbroad, lacked sufficient standards, and could create due process, confidentiality, and separation-of-powers concerns. Members asked about safeguards, and staff and the AGO described court challenge procedures and internal review standards. No action was taken. HB 2332 would regulate automated license plate readers used by state and local agencies, generally limiting use to specified law enforcement, parking, toll, and transportation purposes, restricting sharing and retention, and prohibiting uses tied to immigration enforcement or protected health care. The sponsor and privacy, immigrant-rights, and reproductive-rights advocates said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of sensitive location data and to close loopholes that could allow out-of-state or federal access. Law enforcement, cities, vendors, and some business and campus representatives supported privacy guardrails but said the 72-hour retention limit, warrant requirements, and other restrictions were too strict and could hinder investigations, victim recovery, and parking enforcement. The hearing ended with testimony still underway and no vote or final action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• mental health challenges, declining enrollment, natural disasters, and the presence of federal immigration
• A recent report found that immigration raids in 2025 led to a 22% spike in absences over just two months
• AB 2509, as amended, is simple. and the presence of federal immigration enforcement in our communities
• A recent report found that immigration raids in 2025 led to a 22% spike in absences over just two months
• raids, and notes how immigration raids were straining the mental... ...caused by immigration enforcement

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, a majority of the drivers in Minnesota are immigrants and people of color.
• Uh, a majority of the drivers in Minnesota are immigrants and people of color.
• Uh, a majority of the drivers in Minnesota are immigrants and people of color.
• Uh, a majority of the drivers in Minnesota are immigrants and people of color.
• Uh, a majority of the drivers in Minnesota are immigrants and people of color.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you've pointed out, one of those has been immigration enforcement.
• degree, I would say that the amount of use of our aviation assets has increased because of the immigration
• Assets has increased because of the immigration enforcement element.
• Going along those lines on video and surveillance, we all know that immigration enforcement is tense.
• We all know that immigration enforcement is tense.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where immigrants are under attack, women's reproductive freedom is being stripped, and health care for
• I am proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents who are here with me today: Jesus Limón and Oralia
• And that is a story of many immigrant families.
• So when I see the attacks on immigrants in this country, I know.
• I know that it's immigrants who fuel our state and our country through their economic contributions and

Summary: The Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate and the first Latina to hold the position. The proceedings included a roll call establishing quorum, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, musical performances, and remarks from numerous senators and invited leaders. Speakers repeatedly highlighted the historic nature of the moment, Limón’s background as the daughter of immigrants and a former school board member and higher-education advocate, and her leadership on issues such as education, child care, labor, wildfire response, environmental protection, and immigrant rights. Several senators, including Mike McGuire, Caroline Menjivar, Sasha Renée Pérez, Steve Cabaldon, Catherine Blakespear, and Scott Wiener, praised Limón as a unifier, coalition-builder, and effective legislator. They emphasized her preparation, calm demeanor, and ability to work across differences, while also noting the broader significance of women’s leadership and gender parity in the Senate. Some remarks referenced current political and fiscal challenges facing California, including attacks on immigrants, reproductive freedom, health care, and the state budget. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, after which Limón was formally introduced as the new pro tem. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor, Governor Newsom, legislative leaders, her family, and the many guests in attendance. She spoke about her immigrant family, her Central Coast district, her work in education and higher education, and her commitment to protecting Californians, especially immigrants, children, working families, and communities facing economic and environmental hardship. The session concluded with an announcement that the Senate would recess and reconvene on January 8, 2026, after a reception in the Capitol Rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where immigrants are under attack, women's reproductive freedom is being stripped, and health care for
• I am proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents who are here with me today: Jesus Limon and Oralia
• And that is a story of many immigrant families.
• So when I see the attacks on immigrants in this country, I know...
• I know that it's immigrants who fuel our state and our country through their economic contributions and

Summary: The California State Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore, described throughout the event as the first Latina to hold the post and only the second woman to lead the chamber. The session opened with acknowledgments of statewide officials, tribal leaders, members of Congress, former legislative leaders, and other guests, followed by a quorum call, suspension of Senate Rule 55 to allow guests and media on the floor, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement honoring the Miwok, Nisenan, Patwin, and Southern Maidu peoples. The ceremony included musical performances by Mariachi Bonitas and the Sacramento Women’s Choir/Genesis Church, after which several senators delivered remarks praising Limón’s leadership, coalition-building, work on education, labor, child care, wildfire response, and her role as a trailblazer for women and Latinas in California politics. Speakers also referenced the state’s fiscal challenges, federal policy concerns, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, and Limón was formally introduced as President Pro Tempore. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and her colleagues, family, and supporters. She emphasized her immigrant family background, the importance of education, child care, consumer protection, labor rights, and support for working families, and said California must continue to protect immigrants and expand opportunity. The Senate then announced a reception in the Capitol Rotunda and adjourned/recessed until January 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico.
• Members, I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico.
• The immigrant story is not an easy one to speak about. It can be cruel.
• And above all, yes, we must pass meaningful immigration reform. Thank you.
• This bill is not about targeting immigrants. It is not about creating fear.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1342, immigration, government agencies, prohibited acts. Military Affairs and Border Security.
• SB 1342, immigration, government agencies, prohibited acts. Military Affairs and Border Security.
• Since September, the Department of Homeland Security has shot 12 people during immigration enforcement
• Like many of the immigrants detained by the federal government, Villegas González had no criminal history
• SB 1375, immigration courts, hospitals, schools, daycares. Military Affairs and Border Security.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about international immigration.
• </c> declines in international immigration. declines in international immigration.
• From international immigration and very high levels of international immigration.
• </c> respect to international immigration. respect to international immigration.
• </c><01:11:10.719><c> activity</c> months uh federal immigration activity months uh federal immigration

Bills: HF3004 , HF3663

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance, such as an insurance card or confirmation from the insurance company if the state's online verification

Bills: HB1411 , HB2980 , HB3015 , HB3147 , HB3277 , HB3323 , HB3443 , HB3882

Committee: Senate Aeronautics and Transportation

Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee met and first laid over House Bills 3148 and 3982. It then heard and advanced several transportation-related measures, including HB 1411, which establishes the True Grit Trail to promote tourism in southeast Oklahoma; HB 2980, which lets tag agencies accept alternate proof of insurance when the online verification system is unavailable; HB 3015, which authorizes Service Oklahoma to issue electronic driver’s licenses; and HB 3147, which creates a Route 66 Centennial specialty license plate. All of those bills were reported out with unanimous or near-unanimous support and no stated fiscal impact in the cases discussed. The committee also advanced HB 3277, allowing vendors to use the National Insurance Crime Bureau for vehicle inspections when Highway Patrol staffing is limited, and HB 3323, which removes notarization requirements for certain electronic documents submitted to Service Oklahoma. HB 3443, which raises oversized and overweight permit fees to help fund weigh stations and reduce pressure on the roads fund, drew questions about prior funding and was estimated by ODOT to generate about $15 million; it advanced on a 9-1 vote. HB 3882, creating a dedicated revolving fund for industrial access and lake access improvement projects, also advanced on a 9-1 vote. Testimony was generally supportive, with authors explaining the bills as administrative efficiencies, tourism promotion, or funding adjustments. ODOT and Service Oklahoma officials answered questions on fiscal impact and implementation, including that the electronic credential system would be integrated with manufacturers like Apple and Google at no state cost. The committee noted it had several more House bills to hear in coming weeks and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paxton from the Supreme Court in 2025, where they were considering a Texas law that required age verification

Committee: House Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, it specifies that local law enforcement must conduct address verifications of registrants

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met to consider the fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations, a proposed committee bill on judicial positions, and one member bill. The chair framed the budget as part of a broader effort to slow spending growth and reduce recurring expenditures, noting the subcommittee’s proposed $7.3 billion budget is $366 million below the prior year. Major budget items included funding for the Department of Corrections to address staffing, maintenance, health services, security equipment, and facility needs; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds, maintenance, the Broward detention facility replacement design, medical services, and Florida Scholars Academy costs; FDLE for the Fort Myers regional operations center and sexual offender/predator registration workload; and the state courts and justice administration entities for judges, due process resources, security, and staffing. The budget also reduced 1,280 vacant positions and $139.2 million in excess funding and authority. The committee then heard PCB-JUB-25-01, which implements part of the Florida Supreme Court’s certification of judicial need. The bill establishes 17 additional circuit court judges and 12 additional county court judges, with about $13.9 million in general revenue and 72 associated positions. In response to a question about why the two certified 6th District Court of Appeal judges were not included, the chair said the committee did not think it was the right time to add judges to a brand-new court still operating from leased space. The PCB was reported favorably on a 14-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 1351 by Representative Baker, which revises sex offender and predator registration rules by clarifying resident categories, creating an in-state travel residence definition, allowing online or in-person reporting for certain temporary residence changes, removing duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying vehicle and employment reporting, and requiring local law enforcement to verify addresses more frequently for registrants not on supervision. FDLE and Smart Justice indicated support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what additional verification would be needed.
• </c><04:57:20.480><c> I'm</c> again on the verification process.
• I'm again on the verification process.
• would</c><04:57:50.638><c> be</c> what additional verification would be what additional verification
• </c> verification is needed. Can you clarify? verification is needed. Can you clarify?

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be moving to ITL this afternoon. >> The next one is relative to cooperation with federal immigration
• 38.239><c> federal</c> relative to cooperation with federal relative to cooperation with federal immigration
• ><c> already</c><01:39:39.600><c> dealt</c><01:39:39.840><c> with</c><01:39:40.000><c> that</c> immigration
• We already dealt with that immigration.
• I open the executive session on SB 71, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the son of an African immigrant mother and a Black American father.
• This administration isn't just enforcing immigration law.
• Pass AB 1348 not because it solves our broken immigration system.
• Immigrants built this country. Immigrants are the backbone of this country.
• I am the proud daughter of an immigrant.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> action</c> hospitals immigration enforcement action hospitals immigration enforcement action policy
• ><c> to</c><02:04:47.720><c> the</c> Immigration enforcement did go to the Immigration enforcement did
• It says verifying the identity of immigration enforcement agents and validating immigration enforcement
• It says verifying the identity of immigration enforcement agents and validating immigration enforcement
• It says verifying the identity of immigration enforcement agents and validating immigration enforcement