Video & Transcript : 'respect' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • King was a symbol of love, respect, and humanity.
  • The Hispanic community has long valued family, hard work, and respect for the rule of law. Dr.
  • You actually came here and sat here for the purpose of respecting and honoring an incredible man.
  • Because if we continued on the road of fighting and not respecting one another, this country was going
  • Because if we continued on the road of fighting and not respecting one another, that this country was
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The main item on the floor was Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of nonviolence, civil rights, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and the need to continue his work amid current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to civil liberties. Senator Richardson closed on the resolution, and the roll was called; SCR 107 was adopted. After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment memorials. Senator Pérez requested adjournment in memory of Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, describing his service, family, and death in a duty-related car pursuit accident. Senator McGuire then honored Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy, Bay Area roots, and charitable work. Senator Becker and Senator Laird added remarks about Weir’s cultural impact and the Grateful Dead’s place in California history. The Senate also adjourned in memory of the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, with Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil speaking about the lives of the four young victims, including children and a teenager, and condemning gun violence. The Pro Tem closed by reflecting on the day’s themes of justice, loss, and civic responsibility, and announced the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • King was a symbol of love, respect, and humanity.
  • continue to resonate within the Hispanic community, which has long valued family, hard work, and respect
  • You actually came here, you sat here for the purpose of respecting and honoring an incredible man.
  • Because if we continued on the road of fighting and not respecting one another, this country was going
  • Because if we continued on the road of fighting and not respecting one another, that this country was
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine announcements and motions. Senator González obtained unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 107, honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with extensive floor remarks from many senators reflecting on King’s legacy, civil rights, nonviolence, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to democracy. Speakers from multiple caucuses and affiliations supported the resolution, including Senators Richardson, Archuleta, Choi, Smallwood-Cuevas, Blakespear, Pérez, Weber, McNerney, Wiener, Reyes, Cabaldon, Rubio, and Alvarado-Gil. Their comments emphasized King’s leadership, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, the Poor People’s Campaign, and the need to continue his work through policy and civic action. Senator Richardson closed on the measure, and the Senate adopted SCR 107 by roll call vote. After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory. Senator Pérez honored Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, who died in a vehicle pursuit accident while on duty. Senator McGuire remembered Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, with additional remarks from Senators Becker and Laird about his cultural impact and philanthropy. Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil then honored the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, including children Journey Rose Guerrero, Maya Lupian, and Amari Peterson, and a 21-year-old, Susanna Archeletta, describing their lives and the community’s loss. The session ended with the Pro Tem noting the day’s reflection and announcing the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> appropriations or their respective appropriations or their respective design.<02:32:07.920><c> shall
  • </c> appropriations of their respective appropriations of their respective design,<02:36:26.560><c> provides
  • </c> or their respective design. Mr. Mr. or their respective design. Mr. Mr.
  • I mean, yeah, I think that's a lack of respect.
  • Speaker, I yield back. respecting the rule of law. That's how respecting the rule of law.
Bills: HR519 , HR538 , HR530 , HR537
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman Huffman: With respect to the judicial branch, we're competing for this same talent.
  • I know you're the brand new Chief Justice, and I respect that.
  • So I hope with your help, with respect to the legislation, with your guidance.
  • So I hope with your help, with respect to the legislation, with respect to the Conduct Commission, we
  • I'll be happy to work with you in that respect. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Bills: SB 1
Committee: Senate Finance
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 1st, 2025

Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stop this redistricting to respect the law, to respect your constituents, to oppose authoritarianism
  • There was respect for the proper role of government.
  • ...to the least respectable bidder.
  • Respect the man. Our president has issued an order.
  • I want them to be shown respect and dignity.
Bills: HB4
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Respecting all cultures in our laws matters.
  • It is truly a gift that must be protected and respected.
  • It is truly a gift that must be protected and respected.
  • It is truly a gift that must be protected and respected.
  • It is truly a gift that must be protected and respected.
Bills: HF3898 , HF3957 , HF4372 , HF4350 , HF3692 , HF4085
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 119 Part 2 May 13th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • your respect for legislators...
  • Um, and I have such respect for your courage.
  • Let's respect the voters. Let's respect the voters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • They spoke at the ballot box, and I respect them.
  • We must respect the people who sent us here.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Anna Buck, on behalf of the California Association of Realtors, in respectful opposition.
  • Anna Buck, on behalf of the California Association of Realtors, in respectful opposition.
  • So I respect why you’re doing the bill. I know it’s with good intentions.
  • So I respect why you’re doing the bill. I know it’s with good intentions.
  • Just keep it respectful. Ma'am, did you want to speak next? Yes. Good morning, members.
Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You led this chamber with respect for the institution and respect for the people who serve in it.
  • And I never did it again either because I respected her as the chair.
  • Deep respect for this institution.
  • You're so respectful of the minority party, truly.
  • You have always respected the rights of others.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • First I want to apologize for not getting our letter in on time, but I'm here in respectful opposed and
  • So with respect to that three-day notice, isn't there a way to implement that we will keep the notice
  • And with that, I respect to my vote. Thank you. Is that a motion and a second?
  • Just respect to last week, I vote. Thank you very much. Thank you for President Reel.
  • We appreciate the concerns that we’ve tried to address with respect to shipping.
Summary: The committee began with housekeeping and then took up SB 753 by Senator Cortese, a bill to update California’s shopping cart recovery law. The author and supporters from San Jose, the League of California Cities, counties, and water districts argued the bill would let local governments retrieve abandoned carts immediately, return them directly to retailers, and recover documented costs, rather than storing carts for 30 days. Retail groups and grocers opposed the measure, saying carts are stolen property, that the bill could create a new revenue stream for cities, and that retailers should retain a first right of retrieval without added fees. Members debated notice periods, cost caps, and local control, and the author agreed to continue working on amendments. The committee adopted the bill as amended and passed it 6-0. The committee then heard SB 445 by Senator Wiener, which would speed up third-party permits and approvals for high-speed rail projects. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader transit proposal and now focuses on requiring early engagement, clear rules, and binding arbitration to prevent utilities, cities, and other entities from delaying a state-approved project. Supporters said permitting delays add major costs and can hold projects hostage; opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts said they were concerned about impacts on safety, reliability, affordability, and local authority, though many said they were willing to keep working on amendments. The committee sent SB 445 to the Utilities and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 9 by Senator Wiener, a narrower housing bill dealing with accessory dwelling units. The bill would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards apply if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings within the required time. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the measure would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee passed the bill 6-0.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/20/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:32:03.520><c> to</c> enforce uh federal law with respect to enforce uh federal law with respect
  • </c> respect. Uh happy to take any questions. respect. Uh happy to take any questions.
  • </c><03:14:50.560><c> the</c> freedom over coercion, and respect the freedom over coercion, and respect
  • >> Chair: Yeah. >> Representative Smith: With respect, and you know, I respect you, I'm not sure that
  • with respect, and you know, I respect with respect, and you know, I respect you.<03:46:43.279><c> I'm
Committee: House Judiciary
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jason Schmeltzer, on behalf of TechNet, in respectful opposition.
  • We're here in respectful opposition to AB 1979 by Assembly Member Bonta.
  • MJDS, on behalf of Kaiser Permanente, in respectful opposition. Mr.
  • Ryan Perini, on behalf of ATA Action, in respectful opposition. Thank you. Ms.
  • Ryan Spencer, with the California Radiological Society, in respectful opposition.
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call. The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598. The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 18, 2026

Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee member speakers and audience members will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner
  • Committee member speakers and audience members will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner
  • Respecting and encouraging free speech leads to better health care for patients.
  • Respecting and encouraging free speech leads to better health care for patients.
  • Respecting and encouraging and safety.
Bills: HB0143 , HB0129
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Executive Departments and Administration (02/11/2026)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in my respectful opinion, this would be a step backward as reflected by membership in the National
  • Since its founding, respect to suggest.
  • And in my respectful requirement.
  • That would be my respectful suggestion. Okay, understood.
  • ,</c> And I've even, with all due respect, And I've even, with all due respect, seen<00:32:07.600><c>
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session (Part 1 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also rise in opposition to 682 in respectful opposition.
  • Members, can you show respect to the author? Please, folks, show respect to the authors.
  • Respect the ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Assembly Member Lee.
  • Well, I rise in opposition, respectful opposition to SB 63.
  • With respect to my colleague from Santa Rosa, I rise in respectful opposition to AB 531.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor session focused largely on concurrence votes on Senate amendments and a few budget-related motions. Early procedural actions included a failed motion to send AB 1207 to the inactive file, approval of motions to take up Senate amendments without reference to file, and recesses for dinner and committee meetings. The chamber also heard several guest introductions and brief ceremonial remarks, including birthday acknowledgments and recognition of interns and visitors. Members then considered and passed a series of measures on topics including armory property transfers (SB 855), data center electricity impacts (SB 57), carbon capture pipeline transport (SB 614), health budget trailer bills (AB 144 and AB 149), and a Black Caucus higher-education bill allowing institutions to consider descendants of enslaved people in admissions (AB 7). The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on bills covering community college nursing programs (AB 1400), public health, signage for the Los Angeles Convention Center, gambling, social media warning labels for children, housing plan-check timelines, small business disaster recovery, wildfire mental health services, antitrust enforcement, foster care kinship placements, housing stability, AI cybersecurity, emergency services, and school nutrition standards. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes or brief debate over policy details. The most extended debate came on SB 274, which would limit retention of automated license plate reader data to 60 days unless tied to an investigation. Supporters argued it was needed to protect privacy and prevent misuse of sensitive location data, while opponents said it would hinder law enforcement and crime-solving. The transcript cuts off during that debate, so no final vote is shown for SB 274 in the provided text. Earlier and later votes recorded in the session showed broad support for many bills, with several measures passing unanimously and others receiving modest no votes, and some urgency measures being sent immediately to the Governor or the Senate after concurrence.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most but not all petitions simply refer to the Education Code statutes with respect to the audit process
  • Officials also in respectful opposition to AB 1053.
  • Thanks Lucy Salcido with the Alameda County Office of Education in respectful opposition.
  • But you know out of and in the spirit of you know of respect for Ms.
  • Members, Michael Young with the California Teachers Association, also in respectful opposition.
Committee: House Education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Stabilize costs and respect the law. Vote up here together.
  • I understand and have great respect for the opposition.
  • Ethan Nagler on behalf of the city of Thousand Oaks in respectful opposition. Great, thanks.
  • On behalf of the League of California Cities and respectful opposition to Assembly Bill 647.
  • Brady-German, on behalf of the League of California Cities, in respectful opposition.
Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • For those here who are too young to know, Peter Falk was a very well-known and respected actor, and he
  • With respect to the health care provider, it talks about the death of an unborn child, which results
  • to abortion, with respect to potentially IVF in the future.
  • And with all due respect, you know, having heard, I’ve heard that there…” “And with all due respect,
  • Today we oppose the bill, though we respect, fully respect, the sponsor's intent to reduce risk and loss
Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • With respect to voting, our committee rules do not allow for proxies.
  • And I ask this gently and with great respect.
  • Please, let's at least say no with respect to this one thing.
  • So, with all due respect, I oppose this. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to respond.
  • I think, with respect, the purpose of this reserve fund is just political messaging.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I respect that there are others who may not share our view. But that is our view.
  • Now, I respect on this amendment that this can be a difficult vote for people.
  • I respect the need to... ...and the American dream.
  • I respect each and every one of you in your faith.
  • President, with all due respect, asked, but not answered.
Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.