Video & Transcript Research : 'Homeland Security'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- Homeland Security and the Forensics Homeland Security and the Forensics Laboratory.<00:36:57.880
- I met with the directors of MBN and MBI and Homeland Security, and they were originally thinking maybe
- <00:41:23.240>
of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of - <00:42:24.280>
Security <00:42:24.680>might software and Homeland Security might software - and Homeland Security might have<00:42:25.040>
a <00:42:25.080>different <00:42:25.480>
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1131, which would revise penalties for procuring prostitution by increasing the misdemeanor fine from $200 to $1,000, increasing the felony fine from $1,000 to $2,000, and adding 100 hours of community service. Representative Ford explained that the bill had been changed from an earlier version that made the first offense a felony. The committee approved the bill after brief discussion.
Members then discussed a strike-all for House Bill 1613, a drug trafficking bill that had been amended to add a pill-count threshold for aggravated trafficking and to include language addressing abortion-inducing drugs. The added provisions would make certain conduct involving abortion-inducing drugs a felony punishable by one to ten years and would authorize the Attorney General to seek civil enforcement. Senators raised questions about whether the House and Senate versions were identical, and one member expressed concern about mail-order abortion pills and the lack of medical oversight. Another senator raised a concern about the definition of "clinically diagnosable pregnancy" and ectopic pregnancies. The committee adopted the strike-all and passed the bill.
House Bill 525, dealing with sexual battery sentencing, drew the most extended debate. Representative Rimac said the bill was prompted by constituent concerns about what he viewed as lenient sentences in a few cases and would add minimum sentences of five years for a first offense and ten years for a second offense. After discussion, the committee adopted a friendly amendment narrowing the bill by striking language related to age-difference provisions, with members noting that those provisions could affect cases not intended to be covered. Several senators then debated whether mandatory minimums were appropriate, with some arguing the bill was needed to ensure meaningful punishment for sexual battery and others arguing it would remove judicial discretion and respond to a small number of outlier cases. The committee ultimately passed the bill as amended.
The committee also considered House Bill 538, which would require political subdivisions to cooperate with immigration detainers and give the Attorney General enforcement authority, but only after adding a reverse repealer. Senators raised concerns about possible sovereign-immunity issues and the breadth of the cooperation language, while others urged narrowing the bill to avoid unintended consequences. The committee adopted the strike-all and passed the bill. At the end of the meeting, the chairman introduced House Bill 1612, a Department of Public Safety restructuring bill, and noted that Commissioner Tindell would present it with a possible conceptual amendment, but that bill was not yet discussed in the portion of the transcript provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Homeland Security again, we have a big request for software.
- Homeland Security again, we have a big request for software.
- Homeland Security again, we have a big request for software.
- Homeland Security again, we have a big request for software.
- The director of homeland security.
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Office of Capital Post Conviction. Director Chrissy Noble described the office’s work representing death-row clients in state postconviction, federal habeas, clemency, and related matters, and said the Legislature has historically funded the office with enough flexibility to handle unpredictable cases. She highlighted four pending actual-innocence cases, including matters involving false forensics and a shaken-baby syndrome challenge, and noted that such cases often require multiple experts. She also cited a recent example where the office was appointed to a case shortly before an execution date was set, and said flexible spending authority allowed the office to secure experts and file on time. The office asked to retain any remaining special-fund cash balance into FY26 and said it had not requested additional salary funding for FY26 because the increase was already handled through flexibility; members praised the office’s work and no vote was taken.
The committee then heard from the Ethics Commission. Staff explained requests for salary realignment, additional funding for a part-time hearing officer who handles public records and open meetings cases, and a small amount for fuel/food that was described as a system-related placeholder. The commission said it had a backlog because complaints have become more numerous and complex, and that more funding would allow the hearing officer to process more cases. Members also discussed a prior $10,000 system request that had lapsed and was later found to have been underestimated; the commission said the earlier figure came from an initial quote and the later $25,000 estimate reflected the actual cost. The chairman and members commended the commission’s work, and no formal action was taken.
Finally, the Administrative Office of Courts presented its budget requests. The office outlined a deficit appropriation request tied to county-funded court reporter increases, funding for two newly appointed judges, special-judge appointment costs, and death benefits for a court administrator in Warren County. The discussion then focused on judicial salaries, with the office noting Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally in trial and Supreme Court judge pay, though a cost-of-living adjustment would place the state around 27th. The office said its request follows State Personnel Board recommendations and that it is also seeking a possible increase in filing fees to support the Judicial Operations Fund, which helps cover salary costs not paid from general funds. Members discussed redistricting, special appointments, and the possibility of using fee revenue rather than general funds to support future increases; no vote was taken.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Dec 2nd, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- where different agencies put in a request for Homeland Security Fund projects.
- Security.
- Marshals Service, Border Patrol, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations to uncover, through their intelligence
- The fusion centers that Commissioner Binder spoke about, Homeland Security Investigations, policy and
- training, ...Homeland Security Investigations policy and training and traffic homicide investigations
Summary:
The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners.
Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of Homeland Security, to work with state and local governments to manage risks, whether it's physical
- of Homeland Security, to work with state and local governments to manage race. agency within the Department
- of Homeland Security to work with state and local governments to manage risks, whether it's physical
- It directs the Department of Homeland Security to create what's called a state citizenship list.
- That's a list of all people for whom the Department of Homeland Security, working with other federal
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.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of the United States Transportation Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed session in SVC-217. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- The recently initiated tanker security program is a natural progression.
- Last year, the Department of Homeland Security removed over 685,000 individuals without DOD assistance
- program, tanker security program, the Jones Act, and adherence to cargo preference laws.
- The Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency for this, in that the Department of... defense
- Security on. a non-reimbursable structure, so as such, I'm not able to use CRAF.
Keywords:
Transcom, logistics, military readiness, air refueling, KC-135, KC-46, strategic infrastructure, geopolitical threats, Alaska
Summary:
During this meeting, the committee hosted an extensive discussion on the operations and logistical challenges facing the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom). General Reid provided testimony on key areas including the importance of maintaining robust logistical capabilities in contested environments, particularly in relation to geopolitical threats posed by adversarial nations. Various members emphasized the necessity for modernization of the air refueling fleet, addressing issues such as the readiness of the KC-135 and the procurement of the next-generation KC-46 aircraft, which has experienced delays and technical challenges. The dialogue further extended to the strategic importance of U.S. ports and transportation infrastructure, especially in regions like Alaska which play a crucial role in military logistics and power projection.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we have one measure before us, Senate Bill 151, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.
- Um, this legislation will reaffirm the commitment to steward the Hawaiian homelands, um, by enabling
- Um, I am with the Department of Planning and Homelands for the chair in the chair's office.
- Um, I am with the Department of Planning and Homelands for the chair in the chair's office.
- Um, I am with the Department of Planning and Homelands for the chair in the chair's office.
Summary:
The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused.
The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments.
Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 30, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:05.120>
Homeland the Department of Homeland Homeland the Department of Homeland Homeland - security just as much national security?
- security just as much national security?
- Some in the Department of Homeland Security will even begin to get furlough notices tomorrow.
- Some in the Department of Homeland Some in the Department of Homeland Security<04:06:06.080>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force, front of the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety,
- Security.
- Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-PSM, HOU-HWN, HOU Public Hearings 03-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And now we're moving it over to Hawaiian Homelands without the affordable housing restrictions, so in
- homelands without the affordable<00:15:41.680>
housing <00:15:42.480>restrictions <00:15 - <00:15:48.720>
and grants to Hawaiian Homeland and grants to Hawaiian Homeland and decreased - anyway, or developers are going to use for Hawaiian homelands.
- are going to use for Hawaiian homelands are going to use for Hawaiian homelands my<01:01:12.960>
Summary:
The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096.
The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- They have a grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the National Preparedness.
- They have a grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the National Preparedness.
- They have a grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the National Preparedness Goal.
- They have another grant from the Department of Homeland Security for a construction project on their
- This is another Homeland Security grant for the National Preparedness Goal.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- committee on Homeland security, public safety investments affairs HB 13 53 by gear and relating to international
- The Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs, HB 1372 by Raymond relating to
- Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
- for the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- for the Department of Hawaiian homelands for the Department of Hawaiian homelands from<00:15:12.279
- so much use and misuse of fne homelands so much use and misuse of fne homelands on<00:31:17.559>
- homes and that's what Hawai Homeland homes and that's what Hawai Homeland should<00:31:33.000>
- <00:40:10.000>
oh development on Hawaiian homelands oh development on Hawaiian homelands oh- > department of haai and homelands to department of haai and homelands to utilize<00:51:47.319>
the - <00:40:10.000>
Summary:
The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million.
HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries.
HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Security Executive Committee, which is under the Council of Governments, referred to as the COG, that
- Security Executive Committee, which is under the Council of Governments, referred to as the COG, that
- So there is a secure site for that that is currently in operation.
- We also are in touch with them through secure communication as well as their family members.
- And so ICE and Homeland Security are able to see if anybody that's on their list has been detained, right
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Quote, requests by Department of Homeland Security officials for...
- Quote, requests by Department of Homeland Security officials for information regarding an individual
- Just to repeat that: requests by Department of Homeland Security officials for information regarding
- So you have someone from the Department of Homeland Security that calls the trial court and says, we've
Summary:
The Senate met briefly, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by remarks from a senator from Worcester and Hampshire criticizing state immigration and court policies. He argued that Massachusetts has not done enough to prevent dangerous individuals from being released or entering the Commonwealth, cited several criminal cases involving immigrants, and urged changes to state law and court practices regarding federal immigration detainers and information-sharing.
The chamber then took up an order from the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk establishing a temporary Senate Committee on Rules until a permanent committee is appointed. The order created a nine-member committee, with two minority appointments, and a subcommittee to handle matters referred to it, including issues related to Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024. The Senate suspended the rules, adopted the order, and printed related communications from the Senate President and minority leader announcing committee appointments.
Finally, the senator from Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth offered an adjournment order setting the Senate’s next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The order was adopted, and the Senate adjourned accordingly.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is urging the Department of Environmental Quality and Homeland Security to deal with municipalities
- Homeland Security did not have any funds to pick up debris.
- Basically, this bill is urging the Department of Environment and Quality and Homeland Security to deal
- Homeland Security didn't have any funds to pick up debris.
- Homeland Security didn't have any funds to pick up debris.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection.
Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor.
The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-02-13 (12:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training opportunities
- States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance...
- Secretary of Homeland Security urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance
- President Trump's executive order directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to...
- President Trump's executive order directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to enter
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of the special order report for the day. The chamber then moved into a special-order agenda focused almost entirely on immigration-related measures, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The memorial was adopted 85-27 after brief debate, with supporters arguing Florida should help maximize federal immigration enforcement and opponents saying Congress, not the state, should fix immigration policy.
The House next took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses for illegal entry and reentry by adult unauthorized aliens and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members debated constitutional concerns, due process, racial profiling, fiscal impacts, and whether the bill intruded on federal immigration authority. Several amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to extend protections to Venezuelans with TPS, to remove the mandatory death penalty, to protect certain long-term immigrant workers and teachers, to expand exemptions for Haitians and humanitarian parole recipients, and to create a task force on best practices for immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive locations. A final amendment to strip the bill as unconstitutional was also rejected. The bill then passed 85-29.
The final measure discussed was Senate Bill 2C, which creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establishes grants and incentive bonuses for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, repeals the fee waiver for undocumented students beginning July 1, 2025, and appropriates more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as a broad enforcement package, while questions from members focused on the impact on current students who receive in-state tuition and whether the bill would remove incentives for those already enrolled. The transcript ends during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-HWN, HOU-GVO, HOU Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So this legislation would exempt the Hawaiian homelands from restrictions during transfers.
- This legislation would exempt the Hawaiian homelands from restrictions during transfers.
- Hawaiian Homeland Hawaiian Homeland restrictions<00:06:52.240>
you <00:06:52.400>know< - question are there any um one homelands question are there any um one homelands developments<00:
- us greater flexibility and how we secure us greater flexibility and how we secure the<00:59:14.000
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives.
Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Really all this does is it changes what was the Office of Homeland Security into a Department of Homeland
- Olsen Wyoming Department of Homeland Olsen Wyoming Department of Homeland Security.<01:01:18.480
- <01:01:27.119>
Security, Wyoming Department of Homeland Security, Wyoming Department of Homeland - is on the Wyoming Department of Homeland is on the Wyoming Department of Homeland Security.<01:02
- Security into a Department of Homeland Security under the authority of the governor.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- security.
- Homeland security.
- So starting with agency one, Office of the Governor, Homeland Security, Senate second reading number
- You'll see that they homeland security.
reading homeland security, Senate second reading homeland security, Senate second reading number
Keywords:
911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-02-13 (12:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training opportunities
- By Senator Gruters, Senate Memorial 6C, a memorial to the Secretary of Homeland Security urging the United
- States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance...
- Secretary of Homeland Security urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance
- Trump's executive order directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to enter into
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, quorum call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rules and Ethics Committee special order report for February 13, 2025 was adopted, setting the day’s special order calendar and debate times. The chamber then took up immigration-related special order items, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C, which urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. Members debated federal immigration policy and state cooperation with DHS, and the memorial passed 85-27.
The House next considered Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses related to unlawful entry and reentry into Florida and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, including Supremacy Clause, due process, and Eighth Amendment concerns, and several speakers argued it would create separate classes of people and invite litigation. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow or expand exemptions, including protections for Venezuelans on TPS, certain Haitian TPS and humanitarian parole recipients, undocumented people brought to Florida as children working in critical professions, and a proposal to delay action pending court rulings; all of those amendments were rejected. The bill passed 85-29.
The chamber then took up Senate Bill 2C, which would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establish a local law enforcement immigration grant program and advisory council, repeal the undocumented-student fee waiver, and appropriate more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as supporting cooperation with federal immigration agencies and ending the in-state tuition incentive for undocumented students. Early questioning focused on the impact on “dreamers” and whether the bill would effectively raise their tuition costs; the sponsor said it removed the incentive of in-state tuition but did not bar attendance. The transcript cuts off during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.