Transcript Highlights:

• . >> In relation to Calendar 64, voting in the negative are Senators Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, and Walczyk
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 66, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATOR WALCZYK. AYES.
• >> >> SENATOR BAILEY TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE. >> THANK YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT.
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 70, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATOR WEIK.
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 80, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATORS CHAN AND BORRELLO, AYES 54, NAYS

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on January 28, 2026, approved the prior day’s Journal, and then took up a series of messages from the Assembly to discharge bills from committee and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber then proceeded through the calendar, considering measures in public health, business, labor, social services, economic development, agriculture and markets, education, county law, and general business law. Several senators briefly explained votes, including Senator Bailey, who spoke in support of Calendar 67 and asked to be recorded in the affirmative. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew limited opposition. Notable negative votes included Calendar 64 (4 nays), Calendar 66 (1 nay), Calendar 70 (1 nay), Calendar 73 (2 nays), Calendar 77 (18 nays), Calendar 78 (2 nays), Calendar 80 (2 nays), and Calendar 92 (2 nays). At the end of the session, the Senate completed the reading of the day’s calendar, reported no further business at the desk, and moved to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• That vote consideration is before us. Mr. Chairman. Senator Burns.
• We're asking you to vote no against this bill.
• Please vote no on this bill.
• But it's the district voting issue, the elimination of district voting.
• how we vote for our Ada County Highway District commissioners.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 6 and March 9, then advanced two gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority: Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both with recommendations for confirmation. It also introduced RS 33670 on community schools, RS 33719 on sewer district rate regulation, and RS 33722 related to a presidential primary and down-ballot races. Senate Bill 1376, dealing with online candidate filing and shifting local filing/reporting to county clerks, was supported by the Secretary of State’s office and sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which sought to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The sponsor argued the resolution would help guide future state policy, while some senators raised concerns about the strength of the claims and the need for more research. Despite those concerns, the resolution was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 659, requiring local law enforcement to apply for available ICE 287(g) agreements and publicly explain any refusal, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve coordination, transparency, and public safety, while sheriffs, police chiefs, and several citizens argued it would undermine local control, add costs, and strain trust with immigrant communities. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment failed 4-5, and the committee then voted 5-4 to hold the bill in committee. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1356, which would make Ada County Highway District elections partisan and countywide rather than district-based. The sponsor said countywide elections would better reflect countywide transportation needs, while numerous residents, advocacy groups, and ACHD representatives opposed the bill as unnecessary politicization that would dilute local representation and increase campaign costs. The transcript ends during continued testimony against the bill, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That vote consideration is before us. Mr. Chairman. Senator Byrne.
• And if you would like the same, I urge you to vote no on SB 1356.
• Please vote no on this bill.
• But it's the district voting issue, the elimination of district voting.
• how we vote for our Ada County Highway District commissioners.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having voted on the prevailing side, I move that the vote by which the House Committee substitute for
• By your vote of 18 ayes and one no, you have voted to reconsider and do pass the vote for House Committee
• By your vote of 14 ayes, two noes, and three presents, you have now voted House Committee Substitute
• By your vote of 13 ayes and 6 noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute...
• With your vote of 13 ayes and 6 noes, you have voted House Bill 2291 due pass.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 2330, reconsidering a prior due-pass vote and then voting the House Committee Substitute due pass by roll call. It then considered House Bill 2291, where an amendment meant to clarify municipal building-code and zoning authority was discussed at length and ultimately withdrawn after members raised concerns that it would undercut the bill’s purpose; the bill itself then received a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 2336, dealing with state property conveyances and title issues, also drew questions about unclear title and the status of several properties, but the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 3136, which would remove the state prohibition on creating a Missouri-based health insurance exchange; the sponsor and a witness argued it could save money, keep exchange fees in-state, and give Missouri more control, while several members objected that it would reverse the 2012 voter-approved prohibition and could entrench federal health-care policy. No action was taken on that bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1833, which would let certain state employees opt out of the state health plan and receive a partial cash payout if they have other coverage. The sponsor argued it could be cost-neutral or save money and give employees more flexibility, while members and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan raised concerns about fiscal impact, adverse selection, administrative burden, and whether the proposal turns a benefit into an entitlement. The witness for the plan said the fiscal note was based on about 4,112 active employees who already opt out, warned the stipend would be taxable and could create a new benefit that is hard to remove, and said proof of outside coverage would need to be maintained. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2506, which would require DESE to post QR-code placards at licensed child care facilities linking parents to existing inspection and complaint records; supporters said it would help parents make safer choices at no fiscal cost, while DESE explained the portal already exists and complaints are investigated quickly, and a witness described serious problems at one facility to illustrate why the information matters. Finally, the committee opened public hearing on House Bill 1758, a proposal to move Missouri to permanent daylight saving time once federal law allows it. The sponsor argued it would improve safety, boost economic activity, and avoid the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year, while members raised concerns about darker mornings for schoolchildren and commuters and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The hearing was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on House Bill 3136, 1833, 2506, or 1758 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR 77.
• I urge an aye vote. I urge an aye vote. Senator McNerney, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• And because of that, I respectfully ask for an I vote on SB 106.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several floor recognitions, including St. Mary’s High School football team for its first state championship and Black-owned businesses honored by the Legislative Black Caucus and Black Chamber of Commerce. The Rules Committee also reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services and State Medicaid Director by a 33-0 vote. The main floor debate centered on SR 77, a resolution condemning racist and dehumanizing imagery posted by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Supporters from multiple caucuses, including the Black, Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, and API caucuses, described the post as racist, harmful, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization and urged a public apology. A few Republicans objected to the resolution’s language and process, saying it was overly partisan or not collaborative, but the resolution was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate also took up SB 106, a budget bill to provide $90 million in state funding for family planning providers, especially Planned Parenthood, after federal cuts under H.R. 1. Supporters argued the bill would preserve essential reproductive and preventive health services, especially in rural and underserved communities, and backfill lost reimbursements. Opponents criticized the bill’s transparency, no-bid contracting structure, and priorities compared with other needs such as distressed hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Senate concurred in the Assembly amendments to SB 106 by a 26-9 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would encourage a no vote.
• So I will be voting no.
• So I will be voting no.
• Patterson, not voting. Pellerin, aye. Petrie-Norris, aye. Thank you. Patterson, not voting.
• Chair voting aye. Vice Chair voting no. DeMaio, no. Hoover, no. Vice Chair voting no. DeMaio, no.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 14-0, no, you have voted House Bill 3322 due pass.
• I now move that House Bill 1872 be voted due pass.
• I now move that House Bill 3470 be voted due pass.
• By your vote of 14 aye and zero no, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3470 to
• By your vote of 14-I and zero-no, you have voted.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met in executive session with a quorum present and considered three bills. House Bill 3322, the Houseman education and foster care bill, was moved out of committee and passed 14-0. House Bill 1872, a domestic abuse-related bill, was amended and converted into a new House committee substitute after Representative Reuter explained that it would allow certain convicted survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, or coercion to petition for post-conviction review and possible resentencing based on documentary evidence of abuse. Members asked about the scope of the bill, the evidence required, and whether it could affect sex trafficking cases; several members expressed concerns about drafting and workability, and the substitute ultimately failed on a 5-yes, 8-present vote. The committee then took up House Bill 3470, the Missouri Hope/Charity Act. Representative Schmidt explained a substitute that changed the bill’s name to match the Senate version and added a one-year task force on the protection of children and families to review implementation, report on benefits, and recommend improvements to state and local processes. Members discussed whether the name should remain “Hope Act” rather than “Charity Act,” and the sponsor said she would consider that suggestion and continue working with the Senate. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3470 by a 14-0 vote. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members and noted that her family was present in the front row, then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please open the queue for a vote. Aye. You're good.
• Seeing none, clerk opened the cue for a vote. Close a cue. Declare the vote.
• Or, seeing no debate, the clerk opened the cue for a vote. Close the queue and declare the vote.
• Clerk, I'm gonna queue for a vote. Oh, thank you. Close the queue. Declare the vote.
• Seeing no debate, clerk opened the cue for a vote. Close the cue. Declare the vote.

Bills: HB2650 , HB3277 , HB3386 , HB3419 , HB3430 , HB3742 , HB3791 , HB3835 , HB3905 , HB3968 , HB4119 , HB4153 , HB4408

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have a chance to look at that letter and adjust or vote on it as well.
• The ones where the number is going to be chosen and voted on.
• The secretary will call the vote. The secretary will call the vote. Representative Ehlers. Aye.
• We're going to vote, I believe, to accept this or to vote on this report.
• Seeing none, we'll have the secretary call the vote.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee met to review members’ homework projections and choose revenue estimates for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027. Staff presented the compiled results, noted the average and median were close, and corrected a spreadsheet formula error after Senator Zuiderveld flagged that her submitted numbers had been copied incorrectly. The committee briefly went at ease while staff fixed the worksheet and then resumed with updated figures. Members debated several possible revenue projections, with discussion focused on how to account for possible tax conformity changes, the risk of overestimating revenues, and broader economic uncertainty. Some members argued for lower estimates to avoid future budget shortfalls, while others said the state’s economy remained relatively strong and that the committee should not be overly pessimistic. After debate, the committee adopted a substitute motion setting general fund revenue projections at $5,665.1 million for FY 2026 and $5,816.6 million for FY 2027 by a vote of 10-8. The committee then reviewed a letter/report for JFAC that incorporated the adopted projections and allowed for additional committee comments. Representative Van Orden moved to adopt the report language, Representative Monks seconded, and the motion passed 17-1. The committee concluded its work and planned to present the recommendation to JFAC the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it intended to influence the vote? Is it intended to make someone disliked?
• By your vote, CS for SB 92 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• for a separate vote, I don't know... ...on any individual appointee.
• And so, without a request for a separate vote, we will take up all appointees with one vote unless there's
• By your vote, SB 564 is reported favorably. Thank you, committee. Thank you.

Bills: S0564 , S0572 , S0414 , S0620 , S0500 , S0092

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, ethics, public officers, employment of relatives, transparency, government accountability, campaign finance, child care, elections, fund usage, political candidates, candidate qualifying, federal office, election integrity, regulatory compliance, political candidacy

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Harrell, which would update ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” includes foster parents and foster children, received supportive testimony from the Commission on Ethics and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414 by Senator Bracy Davis, allowing campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, was presented as a way to reduce barriers to public service but was temporarily postponed after the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance. Senate Bill 500 by Senator Avila would require FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices from nomination through assumption of office; members questioned the scope, definitions of major and minor parties, and whether taxpayers should bear the cost, and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Senate Bill 620 by Senator Mayfield would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship; testimony opposed the bill as stigmatizing dual citizens, but it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 92 by Chair Gaetz, which creates whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge and face retaliation, with support from the Commission on Ethics. In addition, the committee unanimously approved a block of gubernatorial appointments and then passed Senate Bill 564 by Senator Yarborough, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; members discussed whether the bill would create new volunteer opportunities and whether the term “community service hours” needed clarification. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And trying to put a nail in the coffin of the Voting Rights Act.
• Now he wants us to go pre-1965 as it relates to voting rights.
• Rights Act in Texas, this endangers the voting rights of people all over America.
• voting.
• They are communities of color voting for the elected officials of their choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:30:41.520><c> No</c><01:30:41.760><c> vote</c><01:30:42.199><c> from</c> vote. No vote.
• No vote from vote. No vote. Okay. No vote from Representative<01:30:44.800><c> Soua.
• Seeing none, chair for the vote. We're voting on HCR 197.
• vote. Okay, members are voting on HR86 vote.
• Okay, members, we're voting on the vote.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.
• We will take a vote. With a vote on the roll call, Mr.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislation with an I uh vote. legislation with an I uh vote.
• The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
• ><c> votes.
• </c> five minute votes. five minute votes.
• Smith of New Jersey votes aye. Miss Deloro votes aye. >> Mr. Casten. >> Mr. Casten votes aye.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Women's right to vote, presidential term limits.
• Women's right to vote, presidential term limits.
• So I really hope you will all vote no on this.
• I believe I'll be voting yes on that. Thank you. Right.
• know who voted yes or no on what they voted.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard extensive testimony on HCR 23, a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose congressional term limits. The bill’s sponsor and supporters argued that Congress is broken, term limits are broadly popular, and the states should use Article V pressure to force Congress to act. Supporters said the convention process is controlled by the states and ratification by 38 states is a strong safeguard. Opponents, including several Republican officials and private citizens, warned that an Article V convention is unpredictable, could exceed its intended scope, and could threaten the Constitution; they urged using elections instead. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold HCR 23 in committee by an 8-7 roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 764, which would prohibit organizations from knowingly transporting, harboring, or providing certain assistance to people unlawfully present in the United States, with language modeled on federal immigration law. The sponsor said the bill does not target immigrants themselves or ordinary charitable aid, but rather organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and related fraud, and argued the state can mirror existing federal prohibitions to support enforcement. Questions focused on how the bill would affect nonprofits, the meaning of “harboring,” and whether the bill improperly incorporates federal definitions. Testimony from the Idaho Food Bank and others opposed the bill, warning it could criminalize routine charitable work, create fear among volunteers, and be difficult to administer because of vague standards like “reckless disregard.” A Catholic witness said the bill would burden religious obligations to aid migrants regardless of status, while supporters maintained the bill would not interfere with lawful charity and would only reach knowing facilitation of illegal conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for these reasons, I vote no. Senator Epstein, I'd like to explain my vote.
• I vote no. Senator Sunderation, Mr. Chair, explain my vote. Yep. Thank you.
• For that, I vote aye. Thank you. ...to have that out. For that, I vote aye.
• I vote aye.
• With that, I vote aye.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would align Arizona tax law with the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, including some retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills would exclude three federal provisions: the higher federal SALT deduction, the new senior deduction as written in H.R. 1, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. They would instead include a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers age 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated the package would reduce general fund income tax revenue by about $441.3 million in FY 2026. Members also discussed that the Department of Revenue’s forms had been issued assuming full conformity, and staff and supporters argued the bills were needed quickly to avoid confusion and amended returns during filing season. Committee members and sponsors largely framed the bills as tax relief and a way to provide certainty for taxpayers and preparers. Supporters said the package would help families, seniors, and workers, and noted that the Arizona version was negotiated to keep the overall tax relief roughly comparable to full conformity while shifting benefits away from the SALT deduction and toward child credits, retirement income, and child care. The sponsors also criticized the governor’s executive action and urged prompt passage so taxpayers would know how to file. Opponents argued the bills would reduce state revenue, worsen the budget outlook, and disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Several witnesses and members also raised concerns about the child care deduction, the retirement-income deduction, and the business expensing provisions, while supporters responded that the bill was designed to help working families and encourage saving and investment. Public testimony was mixed. The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing early conformity, filing certainty, and reduced confusion for taxpayers and software providers. Opponents included Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, who argued the package would deepen budget problems and favor the wealthy. One witness objected to a federal school-choice-related provision she said was being tied to the bill, though committee members said the measure before them was a tax conformity bill and not a school finance bill. The hearing included extended debate over the fiscal impact, the governor’s prior requests for some of the same tax changes, and whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the legislature later changed course. The transcript ends during testimony from NFIB, with no final committee vote or action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• No vote. So ordered. HCR 200. HCR 205 SD1. Members, we will be taking a voice vote.
• Balotti votes no.
• Kong votes no. Representative CD2. Rep. Kong votes no.
• </c> Reyes Ooda votes no. Reyes Ooda votes no.
• Have all votes been cast?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can challenge the chair if you wish, and we'll vote on it. You know the outcome of the vote.
• I am urging you to vote no.
• I am urging you to vote no.
• Otherwise, I vote for this bill.
• I voted for it. I think it's a good idea. As it relates to manslaughter, I voted for it.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met to hear SB 2-C, a major immigration enforcement bill sponsored by Senator Gruters and co-introduced by Senator Fine. The sponsor described the bill as a response to federal immigration priorities and said it replaces a single immigration officer with a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expands local-federal cooperation, increases penalties for crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants, requires detention in certain cases, broadens information sharing, funds detention-bed expansion and law-enforcement training, and ends in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The bill also includes provisions related to sanctuary policies, voter fraud, transport of unauthorized aliens, and driver’s license-related offenses. The sponsor said the bill appropriates roughly $300 million overall, including $250 million for grants and $48 million for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for interdiction and border-related enforcement work. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope, costs, and implementation. Senators focused heavily on the tuition-waiver repeal, asking how many students would be affected and whether the bill would harm students who have long lived in Florida. They also pressed on whether the bill should include stronger E-Verify provisions, how sanctuary-policy enforcement would work, whether local officials could be penalized for policy choices, and how immigration status would be verified in court and jail settings. The sponsor and Senator Fine said the tuition waiver would be removed for undocumented students, that the bill does not address E-Verify, and that the measure is intended to make immigration status a factor in detention and sentencing. Questions also addressed detention-bed capacity, reimbursement rates, and whether corrections staff would receive bonuses or salary increases; sponsors said bonuses are included for participating law enforcement, while broader salary issues would be handled in the regular budget process. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters and information-only witnesses, including Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and former officials, said the bill would help Florida coordinate with federal authorities, expand bed space, and close loopholes in existing immigration enforcement. Opponents from the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU of Florida, Florida Policy Institute, labor groups, and immigrant advocates argued the bill is unconstitutional, likely to trigger litigation, and harmful to families, schools, and the economy. They warned that the pretrial detention provisions could lead to wrongful detentions and that the tuition changes would reduce access to higher education and cost the state tuition revenue. No final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee continued through public comment and extended the meeting to complete the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accordingly, only one bill on the agenda will be voted on today.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you very much.
• For these reasons, we urge your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• For these reasons, we urge your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• Yeah, respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense. The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accordingly, only one bill on the agenda will be voted on today.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you very much.
• Respectfully ask for your aye vote. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Good afternoon.
• For these reasons, we urge your aye vote. Thank you very much.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 988, house, all