Transcript Highlights:

• the border where guard troops have been enacted, and they are as well, uh, have gone, uh, with immigration
• Um, when we talk about those immigrants, but also, um, do you have any supporting data?
• ,<00:01:47.200> but<00:01:47.520> also immigrants, but also immigrants, but also um<00:
• We had an illegal immigrant in Dninnesota County kidnap a 14-year-old, carried her across state lines
• We had an illegal immigrant in Dninnesota County kidnap a 14-year-old, carried her across state lines

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. Early discussion focused on immigration-related concerns and the costs of enforcement, with one senator pressing for data to support claims about crimes by undocumented immigrants and another citing specific cases and DPS removals of drivers with falsified CDLs. The committee also heard a bill requiring the sex marker on a driver’s license to match sex at birth; the sponsor said it was the same measure passed by the committee the prior year, and it received a title sufficient/do pass recommendation. Several bills addressed corrections and court procedures. One bill clarified that people in intervention court are subject to the sentencing judge’s sanctions and are not entitled to a separate technical-violation hearing like probationers or parolees; the sponsor said it would reduce, not increase, leniency, and the committee passed it. Another bill extended the statute of limitations for felonious assistance program fraud from five to ten years, citing the TANF fraud case and the need for more time to detect abuse in executive agency programs; it also passed. The committee then approved a bill allowing judges, after a hearing and specific findings, to order firearms removed in domestic violence cases and protective-order proceedings when the weapons pose a credible threat. The committee also advanced a bill increasing penalties for witness tampering, with the sponsor saying prosecutors wanted a stronger tool because defendants were sometimes willing to accept the current five-year penalty rather than face the underlying offense. Members discussed whether the bill covered intimidation versus tampering and whether the penalty should be tied to the underlying crime; a motion to reconsider/adjust the bill was adopted, and the bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation. Another measure increased fines for handheld mobile device violations while driving, especially in school and work zones, and members discussed whether the bill should be stronger and how any collected fines would be used; it passed. Finally, the committee approved a bill requiring reporting of certain convictions and adjudications to the Child Protective Services central registry, and ended by passing a bill increasing the fine for failing to use a screen on loads that can spill from vehicles and damage windshields, with members noting the fine had not been updated since 1974.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had battles with immigration service providers. And there's this group of people...
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement, colloquially known as ICE, ineligible to receive a state-funded
• The indiscriminate, brutal, and unconstitutional nature of the immigration raids has wreaked havoc in
• of over 40 organizations serving immigrant communities across San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
• Congress appropriated $45 billion just for immigrant detention, so I think they’re okay.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• government on that person's immigration government on that person's immigration status<00:13:13.440
• officer to become a de facto immigration officer to become a de facto immigration officer?
• federal agents are to do immigration federal agents are to do immigration enforcement,<00:17:54.640
• house of cards falls because immigration house of cards falls because it's<00:22:24.640> really
• It opens the door in immigration stops.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have some community subcommittees as well: the immigrant refugee community, obviously.
• What I would say is that the topic of immigration, while we're highlighting this as an example of the
• And what I would say is that the topic of immigration, while we're highlighting this as an example of
• I think the immigration sub-cabinet is a perfect example of how you work together.
• We want to make all Washington residents feel safe, including our immigrant community.

Summary: The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems. The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities. The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• WAS INAGURATED ON JANUARY 20TH, 2025 AND SUBSEQUENTLY ENACTED SEVERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS RELATED TO IMMIGRATION
• DESIGNATE A CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER TO SERVE AS THE STATE OFFICIAL LIAISON BETWEEN STATE AGENCIES,
• RESTRICT BENEFITS THAT INCENTIVIZE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO RELOCATE TO FLORIDA.
• REQUIRE IMMIGRATION STATUS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING BAIL. G.
• SENATE BILL 2B BY SENATOR GRUTERS, A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Grandinetti: Madam Speaker, immigrants are an integral part of our community, and many
• And even with representation, they were told just this week that the next available immigration court
• Madam Speaker, immigrants are proceed.
• Madam Speaker, immigrants are an<00:51:02.000> integral<00:51:02.480> part<00:51:02.640
• Immigration status.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, deferred reading of the journal, and noted there were no messages from the governor or Senate communications. Members then offered several introductions recognizing guests in the gallery, including LifeSmarts awardees, DCCA and LifeSmarts program officials, former Representative Pono Chong and his children, an intern from District 39, a landback advocate, and staff from the Education Committee office. The chamber also marked the close of Education Week 2025 with applause and recognition of the visiting students and supporters. The main floor presentation was House Resolution 211, which congratulated the first- and second-place teams at the 2025 Havi LifeSmarts State Competition and the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate. Representative Tam presented the resolution, praising the Eolani Raiders for winning first place and wishing them well at the upcoming Chicago competition. Representative Hashimoto recognized Kalanianaole High School’s second-place team, and Representative Woodson honored Wilson Chow of Maui High School for his leadership and service. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House recessed briefly to allow members to congratulate the honorees. After recess, the House took up a large block of standing committee reports, moving reports 1406 through 1504 with a series of member notations including no votes, reservations, and a few brief explanations. Several members raised concerns about specific measures involving emergency readiness centers, immigration-related legal access, blank votes on ballot questions, electricity costs and Hawaiian Electric, and gambling. Some members spoke in support of measures while noting reservations about cost, process, or policy effects. The full package of reports was ultimately adopted by voice vote. During announcements, Representative Garcia read a statement from Representative Jean Ward announcing her resignation effective at the end of the month due to ongoing health issues, including anemia, sciatica, and pneumonia, after nearly 27 years of service. The House then adjourned by voice vote until 12:00 noon on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Arizona Space Commission is a vehicle that will coordinate industry, education, and workforce efforts
• If you are an illegal immigrant and you commit a sexual assault, we should stand by those survivors too

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AGAIN HHS ACCOUNTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 28 PERCENT OF THE STATES TOTAL WORKFORCE.
• WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A HUGE IMMIGRATION OF VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BECAUSE THEY LIKE WHAT THEY SEE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once I enter the workforce, LRS and other waiver services will continue to help me gain and maintain
• Early childhood providers are keeping Louisiana's families in the workforce every day.
• Two-thirds of Louisiana children under five have every available parent in the workforce.
• Child care is not a side issue; it's workforce infrastructure.
• But the next question is: Where is the workforce coming from?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• immigration status. immigration status.
• <00:01:15.360> and supposed mission of immigration and supposed mission of immigration and
• non-immigrant families.
• <00:02:51.680> and fear among among immigrant and fear among among immigrant and non-immigrant
• non-immigrant families. non-immigrant families.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the impact of recent ICE enforcement activity in Minnesota, especially on schools, students, and families. Speakers, including legislators, superintendents, a school board chair, teachers, parents, and a student, described fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities, increased absenteeism, disrupted school routines, and broader trauma affecting children’s mental health and learning. Several speakers said students were staying home, families were avoiding bus stops and public places, and educators were taking on extra duties such as transporting students, delivering food, and helping with housing and remote learning options. Testimony included specific examples from Columbia Heights, Fidley Public Schools, Rochester, and Maple Grove. Speakers reported detained students and family members, canceled in-person classes in some districts, expanded virtual learning, and sharp attendance declines; one superintendent cited more than 530 additional daily absences in Rochester and large increases in excused absences among multilingual, low-income, Asian-American, and Latino students. A parent and student speaker described organizing neighborhood safety efforts and a planned student walkout to demand safe busing, suspension of a policy that unenrolls students after 15 consecutive absences, and a pause on standardized testing. The speakers repeatedly called for ICE to be removed from schools and from Minnesota, and urged elected officials to act to protect children and educators. One senator reflected on democracy, liberty, and freedom from fear, linking the situation to the purpose of public education. No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken during the excerpt; the session ended with a transition to questions and a call for community responsibility and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• This came out of a group that studied some immigrant issues that we were seeing statewide over this last
• with our law enforcement where they weren't having enough money to be able to house some of the immigrants
• that they... ...house some of the immigrants that they had to leave with, or if it was our hospitals
• One of the things we know, and that we've learned as we've started to address not only the immigration
• And the sheriffs are the ones that are on the front lines, a lot of times in dealing with immigration

Bills: HB297

Keywords: cash transactions, money transmission, regulatory compliance, criminal penalties, Alabama Securities Commission, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen health care stripped from our immigrant neighbors, as you heard yesterday.
• Protect immigrants. Stand up for them. They contribute so much to our culture and economy.
• <01:08:39.520> Protect<01:08:40.000> immigrants. Reproductive rights.
• Protect immigrants. Reproductive rights. Protect immigrants.
• :48:26.000> DWRS, competitive workforce factor for DWRS, competitive workforce factor for DWRS

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and welcomed an honored guest, Kenyan Parliament member Joshua Aduma Aore, introduced by Representative Momanyi-Hiltsley. The main business of the day was a series of retirement speeches from departing members, with the chamber proceeding in seniority order. Representative Perryman said she was leaving the House to run for the Senate and reflected on four years of service, thanking constituents, family, colleagues, and staff. She emphasized integrity, compassion, and the belief that people in public office share more in common than what divides them. Representative Perez Vega gave a lengthy farewell centered on her identity, district, and legislative priorities, thanking staff and colleagues and highlighting work on drivers’ licenses for all, housing justice, the Read Act, ethnic studies, workforce development, and funding for a Minnesota Latino Museum. She also spoke about the importance of representation, community, and continuing to fight for children, families, and immigrant communities. Representative Weiner said his time in the House had been educational and urged less division, more civility, and a return to public service over party conflict. He cited George Washington’s warnings about factions, said he would carry a calmer voice to the Senate, and argued for more single-subject bills and against careerism in office. Representative Bakeberg thanked members, staff, and his family, spoke about faith and service, and said his work was motivated by constituents and by the example of children visiting the Capitol. Representative Ryer also thanked staff and colleagues, reflected on serving during COVID and after George Floyd’s murder, and listed policy successes and disappointments, including medical debt reform, rare disease treatment, Medicaid dental support, housing and bonding, solar on public buildings, and soil and water funding; she also criticized failures on immigrant protections, disability services, and gun violence measures, and called for protecting human rights, voting rights, and democratic norms. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken beyond the journal approval and recognition of guests and speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Customs and Immigration Services.
• Okay, but isn't immigration enforcement, isn't that a federal power?
• Okay, but isn't immigration enforcement, isn't that a federal power?
• And the subcabinet, the immigration subcabinet that was established through Executive Order 25-09, we
• And so we established three subcommittees as well, one for the immigrant refugee community.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal immigration authorities carry out military-style raids at homes, workplaces, and public spaces
• Federal immigration authorities carry out military-style raids at homes, workplaces, and public spaces
• Okay, next: the Rosales Sisters Scholarship, founded in 2019 by six daughters of Mexican immigrants,
• Its impactful journalism, including coverage of immigration raids, has influenced national conversations
• In 2014, he wrote Dreams Deported, with the subtitle Immigrant Youth and Families Resist Deportation.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a state policy advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, and I'm here today
• As we enter into another election season, immigrant communities across California are experiencing a
• Families are hearing federal calls to send immigration enforcement to polling places.
• As we enter into another election season, immigrant communities across California are experiencing a
• Families are hearing federal calls to send immigration enforcement to polling places.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and took up committee and Elections Committee amendments. The bill was described as strengthening protections against interference in elections by extending restrictions to military personnel at polling places, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and limiting law enforcement access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The chair explained that the committee amendments would remove certain criminal penalties for peace officers, restore a uniform requirement for some polling-place personnel, and clarify the effect of objections by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to respond to threats of intimidation and election interference, citing concerns about armed personnel at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Supporters said the measure would protect voters, especially immigrant communities and in-person voters, and preserve confidence in election administration. Opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA argued the bill was vague, could hinder lawful criminal investigations, and improperly restrict law enforcement and federal election oversight. After closing remarks, the committee voted to pass SB 73 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The vote was 6-1, with one member not voting. The chair and another member recommended an aye, while one member voted no.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember, especially my wife is an immigrant, and so when we received our notice of our daughter's
• And we need to invest in our workforce and our students every single day.
• And we need to invest in our workforce and our students every single day.
• forward to try to address these historic challenges with recruitment and retention of our educator workforce

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met for its first hearing of the session, adopted its committee rules on a 6-0 vote, and then heard several bills. AB 347, which would require written notice to students about the right to opt out of animal dissection and receive a comparable assignment, drew strong support from the author, a student, and multiple advocacy and education groups, while opponents argued it would burden teachers and duplicate existing law. The committee approved AB 347 on a 7-0 vote and sent it to Appropriations. AB 281, which would expand parent access to sex education materials and require disclosure of outside consultants’ credentials, drew mixed testimony. Supporters framed it as a transparency and parent-rights measure, while school administrators and county education officials said current law already allows inspection and that the bill would create an unfunded administrative burden. After extended member discussion, the bill failed on a 4-3 vote with one abstention, though reconsideration was granted. AB 65, which would provide paid pregnancy leave for educators without requiring them to exhaust sick leave first, was supported by teachers, CTA, and the State Treasurer, but opposed by school administrators and business officials over cost concerns; it passed 6-0 to Higher Education. The committee also approved AB 361, which would extend and expand LAUSD’s best-value procurement authority for school construction to all school districts for five years, on a 5-0 vote with one abstention. AB 86, which would require the State Board of Education to adopt standardized K-8 health education instructional materials, passed 5-0. Finally, AB 228, the Zaki Fast Act, was introduced to clarify that schools may stock any federally approved epinephrine delivery system, including newer devices beyond auto-injectors, and was presented with testimony from the bill’s young namesake and his family; the transcript cuts off before the committee vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Blessed are the immigrants who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek immigrants, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are the merciful immigrants, for they shall receive mercy.
• Blessed are the immigrants who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• It will create harm to immigrant communities.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> House Bill 444, Public Safety, Immigration Enforcement Agreements Prohibition.
• So, I think whether you have concerns about what's happening with immigration policy or you like 287(
• So, I think whether you have concerns about what's happening with immigration policy or you like 287(
• convicted of stabbing illegal immigrant convicted of stabbing is<00:09:22.320> released."
• outlets, there were 81 immigration outlets, there were 81 immigration detainers<00:20:25.360> uh

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, February 2, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House took up House Bill 444, Public Safety, Immigration Enforcement Agreements Prohibition, which would end 287(g) agreements and related formal understandings with federal immigration authorities. The main debate centered on whether the bill would interfere with the transfer of detainees to ICE and whether counties should be required to give advance notice before release. The sponsor argued the bill should be amended to require 48-hour notice and transfer of convicted detainees, saying it would protect public safety while respecting detainee rights. Opponents said the amendment was unnecessary because notice is already given in practice and that the bill would not allow holding anyone beyond a court-ordered release time. Members discussed a recent news story about a Prince George’s County detainee who was released after serving time and later picked up by ICE, using it as an example of why clearer procedures were needed. The floor leader and other opponents responded that the person had been released by court order and that the proposed amendment would not have changed that outcome. A delegate from Prince George’s County said the county followed standard correctional procedures, checked for detainers, notified ICE, and could not lawfully hold the person once the judge ordered release. A delegate from Baltimore County argued that formal agreements and MOUs with ICE are necessary because informal arrangements are inconsistent and detainers are often ignored; another member cited Baltimore County detainer statistics to support that point. The first amendment to HB 444 was put to a roll call vote and failed, with 36 votes in the negative. After that, a second amendment was offered that would ban arrest quotas, drone use in law enforcement, warrantless unmanned aerial surveillance, and no-knock warrants. The sponsor described it as a civil-liberties measure aimed at preventing quota-driven policing and intrusive surveillance. The transcript ends while that second amendment is being introduced and explained, before any final action on it is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the child of immigrants and refugees, he is the first in his family to complete high school, college
• His passions focus on strengthening emergency care systems, workforce readiness, and medical education
• the state's only academic health center, the backbone of our physician training and health care workforce
• Together, they are committed to advancing policies to protect patients, strengthen the physician workforce
• only academic health center, where she leads statewide efforts to advance equity and health care workforce

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That amendment would have said no more illegal immigrants should be given free taxpayer funded health
• They serve everyone, no matter their insurance, income, or immigration. status, these clinics rely on
• Today we see those same tired arguments resurfacing, this time targeting immigrants. immigrant communities
• Are citizens, regardless of their immigration status, or their parents.
• But we also know the strength and power of diversity. the incredible contributions of immigrants and

Keywords: 988, house, all