Video & Transcript Research : 'lottery vending machine'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance May 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we're looking at research that incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning
- And so we have machines now that are, uh.
- There are some people who are harvesting green chili with machines. OK, thank you, Mr.
- I mean, we can give Antonio the winning lottery ticket and he can say I'm going to go buy dance lessons
- I mean, we're giving them a winning lottery ticket. They say they want the project.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- just on the lottery proceeds.
- the lottery.
- He continued that the lottery is in competition with gray machines, whether they like them or not, and
- He said the Missouri Lottery is a monopoly: you walk into a convenience store and the lottery is there
- He added that if the lottery comes up short, it will not fund the administration of the lottery less,
Summary:
The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and began by taking up a series of budget bills and committee substitutes, including House Bills 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which were laid over. The chair then walked members through a committee amendment package, explaining a mix of technical corrections, fund swaps, and adjustments involving highway patrol fringe costs, summary budget timing, rural health care, the CCBHO FMAP correction, and marijuana-fund reallocations. Members adopted the chair’s decrease amendments and later adopted the corresponding increase amendments, including partial restoration for Care to Learn, a Title I grant language change, an Overpass and Seymour road project, technical corrections for DPS and health-related items, and restorations for Jordan Valley and FQHC substance abuse funding. After a brief recess for session and lunch, the committee returned to House Bill 2 and began considering member amendments.
On House Bill 2, the committee adopted Representative Lewis’s amendment making the curriculum transparency and parent portal item a pilot program, and Representative Davidson’s amendment adding $2 million in federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds for One-Time Wonder School. Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to shift funding from Missouri Star Solutions and WorkKeys to the Success Ready Student Assessment failed, as did Representative Taylor’s proposal to move $1.2 million from career ladder to community college nursing programs. The committee then rejected Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to redirect Title I Innovation and Improvement Grant funds back to the governor’s recommendation, and later adopted Representative Steinhoff’s vocational rehabilitation amendment, which restored the department’s request and drew down additional federal matching funds. The committee also adopted Representative Hyne’s language amendment to allow flexibility between the MOQPK pre-K grant program and the Child Care Works tri-share program, though members discussed concerns about cross-bill flexibility and whether funds would actually be available.
Representative Fogle’s amendment to require budget communications sent to committee chairs to also go to the full Budget Committee was defeated after members expressed concern about information overload and the difference between required distribution and requested information. The committee then took up a lengthy debate over Representative Fogle’s amendment to remove language barring Parents as Teachers participation for children already enrolled in public pre-K. Supporters argued the programs serve different purposes and that families should not be forced to choose between them, while opponents said the language was intended to prevent duplication of services and preserve resources for children without other options. After extensive discussion, the amendment failed. The committee continued with additional House Bill 2 amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on the remaining items.
MO
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'll start at the back, the lottery. So I'm trying to identify the silo of who that belonged to.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of lottery.
- They have folks that are on the ground that have to go do the machines and talk to the folks where the
- Lottery is the only agency that we have that's actually a profit center.
Summary:
The Senate began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into floor consideration of the 2026-2027 budget. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented Senate Bill 2500, describing a $115 billion budget that reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental and agricultural programs. Highlights included increased funding for school scholarships and safety, workforce and university programs, Medicaid and child welfare, corrections operations, affordable housing, rural communities, Everglades and water quality projects, and infrastructure.
Members then asked detailed questions about several budget items. Senators sought clarification on the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries, charter school capital outlay funding, EASE grants, New College funding, DOC inmate counts and reimbursement, lottery staffing, concealed weapons licensing positions, election security funding, iBudget waiver support, ADAP funding, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, and scholarship and enrollment supplements in K-12 education. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected technical shifts or right-sizing, that some funds were being moved below the line for better tracking, and that several items—such as ADAP and corrections operations—would likely remain conference issues with the House.
After questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the budget and implementing measures and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles to prepare for conference. The chamber passed the budget-related bills and several conforming measures, including bills on retirement, fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, court trust funds, judgeships, and K-12 and higher education conforming changes. Votes on the major bills were overwhelmingly unanimous or near-unanimous, and the Senate repeatedly voted to accede to the House’s request for conference on the substituted bills.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'll start at the back, the lottery. So I'm trying to identify the silo of who that belonged to.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of the lottery.
- They have folks that are on the ground that have to go do the machines and talk to the folks where the
- Lottery is the only agency that we have that's actually a profit center.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation.
Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding.
After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'll start at the back, the lottery. So I'm trying to identify the silo of who that belonged to.
- And if I can get clarification, I believe what that was referring to was the growth of lottery.
- They have folks that are on the ground that have to go do the machines and talk to the folks where the
- Lottery is the only agency that we have that's actually a profit center.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/17/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the lottery has was cited by the legislative auditor in their audit of the lottery that was conducted
- And uh after the<00:31:57.519><c> lottery</c><00:31:57.919><c> then</c><00:31:58.240><c> concluded</c
- ><00:31:58.799><c> its</c> the lottery then concluded its the lottery then concluded its investigations
- and uh am told that the of the lottery and uh am told that the lottery<00:33:10.399><c> will</c><00:
- I don't think we want to create room for waste or fraud within this part of the lottery.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- dated January 30, 2026, at 4:31 p.m., changes the appropriation to be made from the Health Services Lottery
- From the Health Services Lottery Monies Fund rather than the State General Fund, and that I'd be happy
- you, the amendment that I've also offered would take the funds instead of the General Fund from the lottery
Keywords:
informed consent, surgical procedures, healthcare professionals, patient rights, regulatory compliance, child welfare, dependency hearings, foster care, court procedures, parental rights, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing, monitoring, administrative burdens, basic first aid, good samaritan, medical licensing exemption, Arizona medical board, A.R.S. 32-1421
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Bills:
SB6084, SB6044, SB5950, SB6046, SB5763, SB6215, SB6160, SB6123, SB6049, SB6164, SB6313, SB5784, SB5046, SB5489
Keywords:
elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility
TX
Bills:
SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes
TX
Bills:
SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- who want a budget that prioritizes people, not corporations, billionaires, or a mass deportation machine
- $500,000 a year from the general fund, we stripped the $1.5 million a year it was pulling out of the lottery
- $500,000 a year from the general fund, we stripped the $1.5 million a year it was pulling out of the lottery
- To restore the $500,000, the million and a half from the lottery, and to sweep only $10 million instead
- Our free and fair elections are helped in part because our tabulating machines are not connected to the
Summary:
The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations.
The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.
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:
- I'm going to welcome Austin Essex from Periodic Vending Solutions.
- I'm co-founder of Periodic Vending Solutions, a Massachusetts-based company working to improve access
- I'm co-founder of Periodic Vending Solutions, a Massachusetts-based company working to improve access
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections.
Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope.
Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, lottery revenue, casino revenue. So you've got some gambling things.
- And so to use a machine to do that, many of the... ...putting foundations and things of that nature.
- And so to use a machine to do that, many of these machines, some are on wheels and some are on tracks
- A track machine can take a lot of time to clean and use a lot of resources such as water to do that.
- And it's a very difficult proposition sometimes, especially the smaller track machines.
Keywords:
vehicle loads, public highways, transportation, road safety, infrastructure, HB2139, snowmobile registration, snowmobile fee, vehicle license fee, registration fee, Department of Licensing, RCW, vehicle registration, winter recreation, off-road vehicle, moped, motorcycle, trailer, recreational vehicle, vintage snowmobile
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Feb 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- So you have one of these folks come; the machine locks; you have one of these folks come and join you
- Today at Massachusetts casinos, once a guest hits $1,200 or more, their physical slot machine locks up
- Without machines locking up at $1,200, we do not have an opportunity to intervene when we believe that
- I mean, it keeps people at slot machines longer. I hate to say it.
- I mean it keeps people at slot machines longer I hate to say it I mean you know Senator Keenan you've
Bills:
H4975
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- However, when I went into eighth grade, my mom decided to enter me into the lottery at Roxbury Prep,
- I was one of the lucky 18% of kids in Boston to be selected in a charter lottery.
- I was one of the lucky 18% of kids in Boston to be selected in a charter lottery.
- It was scary when her name was chosen in the lottery at Alma del Mar.
- In the meantime, we entered into the admissions lottery at Brook, which was nearby to our home.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees.
Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists.
Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Four - Tuesday, March 31 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- *Jean, Gene, the Amazing Machine.* Gene Carnahan was already well-known in Missouri long before she entered
- So, in honor of Jean Carnahan, the amazing machine, I don't want a moment of silence.
- And then whatever, whether it's lottery or GR, whatever, it would just lapse in the foundation formula
- Whatever, whether it's lottery or GR, whatever, it would just lapse in the foundation formula.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 43rd day by roll call vote, 122-1. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor former state representative and St. Louis public servant Edward L. Bushmeyer with a moment of silence, and to recognize Jean Carnahan during Women’s History Month. The chamber then welcomed numerous guests, including students from California Middle School, Missouri Centers for Independent Living, Southern Boone cheer teams, Conservation Day participants, Project Home woodworking students and veterans, Coro Fellows, YMCA advocacy day participants, Easter Seals guests, and others.
The House then took up several appropriations bills. House Bill 2017, the reappropriations bill, was explained as carrying forward previously approved capital and other projects into a new fiscal year; members raised concerns about unspent general revenue and the large $186 million storm-recovery item for St. Louis, but the bill was adopted and perfected. House Bill 2018, the maintenance and repair bill for state facilities, was described as routine upkeep of state buildings and was also adopted and perfected. House Bill 2019, the capital improvements bill, drew more debate over new projects, the $104 million transfer from the Capital Commission Fund, and whether some projects had been adequately vetted; an amendment by the gentleman from Texas to shift $3 million from the Conservation Commission Fund to help repair a state-owned road to the George O. White Nursery was adopted, and the bill then passed through committee substitute adoption and perfection. House Bill 2020, the ARPA spending bill, was described as the final year for spending federal pandemic funds, with any unspent amounts to flow to the foundation formula; members discussed how much might remain and whether funds could be used to offset education costs, and the bill was adopted and perfected.
The House also considered House Bill 2760, the “Praise Act,” which would bar government from imposing stricter emergency restrictions on houses of worship than on comparable private entities, while preserving emergency carve-outs for disasters, terrorism, and civil unrest. Supporters framed it as a religious liberty bill and argued it would prevent unequal treatment during emergencies; opponents warned it could undermine public health protections during pandemics and noted past restrictions on church gatherings. The debate included extended exchanges over whether churches were treated differently from airports and other venues during COVID-19. The transcript ends during continued discussion of House Bill 2760, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- much every gas station and, in some parts of the state, many of the grocery stores, have these video lottery
- You know, lottery tickets, tobacco, and, you know, if there's other items, a department would determine
- Is that like getting cash back from a debit machine?
- because the SNAP cards would also have to be replaced to allow for them not to use them at the ATM machines
Summary:
The committee met with 13 members present and first went into executive session on House Bill 1730, which was voted due pass by a 10-3 roll call. It then considered House Bill 2504, where a committee amendment was adopted to let school districts optionally require a mental-health professional letter for school protection officers, the amendment was rolled into a committee substitute, and the substitute was voted due pass 11-0 with two present. After that, the committee moved to public hearing on House Bills 2481, 2468, and 1974.
The three public bills focused on restrictions and verification for public assistance programs. HB 1974 would restrict TANF cash assistance use, including prohibiting ATM cash withdrawals and certain purchases, with a three-strikes style penalty structure; sponsors said it was intended to prevent misuse of taxpayer funds, while opponents argued TANF is a small cash-assistance program for very poor families and that cash access is necessary for rent, laundry, childcare, and other basic needs. HB 2468 would tighten SNAP and Medicaid eligibility verification by requiring documentary proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, using federal verification systems, and counting ineligible household members’ income; sponsors said it aligns Missouri with federal law and new federal accountability rules, while opponents warned it would add red tape, delay benefits, and increase error rates and costs.
HB 2481, along with related SNAP language discussed in HB 174, would implement the governor’s SNAP waiver to restrict purchases of soda and junk food and place those restrictions into statute. Sponsors said the goal was to steer benefits toward healthier foods and reduce waste, while witnesses from industry and advocacy groups said the waiver process was already underway, the definitions were too broad, and the bills could be hard for retailers to implement and could burden eligible recipients, especially in rural areas and among children and vulnerable adults. No final committee action was taken on the three public hearing bills during the portion provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Lottery is down a little bit, but we expect that to stay fairly stable.
- Lottery is down a little bit, but we expect that to stay fairly stable.
- Lottery is down a little bit, but we expect that to stay fairly stable.
- c><00:21:08.919><c> a</c><00:21:09.000><c> little</c><00:21:09.159><c> bit</c> Lottery uh Lottery is
- down a little bit Lottery uh Lottery is down a little bit but<00:21:09.520><c> we</c><00:21:09.679><c
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety committee debate on HF16 - Pt. 1 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We also work on cases where children were forced to work in factories, agriculture, and street vending
- :19:13.120><c> Street</c> in factories Agriculture and Street in factories Agriculture and Street vending
- > by</c><00:19:13.960><c> predatory</c><00:19:14.440><c> traffickers</c><00:19:15.000><c> who</c> vending
- by predatory traffickers who vending by predatory traffickers who refuse<00:19:15.480><c> to</c><00:
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House File 16, and the chair moved the bill with a recommendation that it be re-referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations. Representative Rymer said the bill would require reporting to ICE when an illegal immigrant is arrested on suspicion of a violent crime, even if the county attorney does not prosecute, and would bar state and local entities from blocking federal immigration enforcement. He described the bill as narrowly focused on serious offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct, and said it was intended to improve communication with federal authorities about dangerous offenders.
Supporters argued the bill would improve public safety and cooperation with federal law enforcement. David Zimmer, a former local law enforcement official, said cooperation with ICE is consistent with law enforcement practice and helps with information-sharing, warrants, consulate notifications, and locating individuals. Several other supporters, including a crime victim family member and a security officer, said the bill would help identify dangerous criminals and protect communities.
Opponents said the bill would reduce trust in local law enforcement and discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Testifiers from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights, Violence Free Minnesota, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Northstar Alliance, the City of Minneapolis, and others said mandatory ICE notification could deter domestic violence and trafficking victims from seeking help, harm due process, and undermine community safety. Some also warned it would interfere with local separation policies, burden local agencies, and have negative economic and civil rights impacts. The committee also heard emotional testimony from individuals describing domestic abuse and immigration-related fears, and from family members of a murder victim who supported the bill.