Video & Transcript : 'Italian immigrants' :

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WV

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 09:19 pm

West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • or non-immigration visa, photo identification, valid…” “Valid immigration or nonimmigration visa, photo
  • or legal immigration status, or if you don’t have one of those under List A, which is most commonly
  • or employing illegal immigrants, then ICE could do that.
  • Those are currently the ways that you could be checked for illegal immigration.”
  • “Currently, the ways that you could be checked for illegal immigration status, and nothing about the
Keywords: 994, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Transcript Highlights:
  • post-COVID, we must ensure that small business tenants, many of whom are Black people of color, immigrants
  • Immigrant, low-income, and language-isolated business owners are especially likely...
  • Immigrant, low-income, and language-isolated business owners are especially likely to face credit access
  • Forty percent of immigrant AAPI-owned businesses report worsened business conditions in the past year
  • Whether you are a high school student, an immigrant with a PhD, or one who sought asylum here legally
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration. Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement. There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><03:25:24.880><c> and</c> a bill to amend the Immigration and a bill to amend the Immigration and
  • <c> Act</c> the Immigration Nationality Act the Immigration Nationality Act specifies<03:33:27.840><c
  • 03:42:38.560><c> when</c> immigration system only works when immigration system only works when people
  • </c> the subcommittee on immigration. the subcommittee on immigration.
  • Immigration and due process.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/13/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, I think among, again, the list of issues that we identified, things like immigration assistance,
  • So, if the employer pays an immigration lawyer to assist an employee with their immigration needs, again
  • Um, I think among, again, the list of issues that we identified, things like immigration assistance,
  • So, if the employer pays an immigration lawyer to assist an employee with their immigration needs, again
  • </c> so, I sounds like the immigration so, I sounds like the immigration assistance, assistance, assistance
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee May 6th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • enforcement to the polls, restrictive voter... ...regime's threats to send immigration enforcement to
  • I'm a state policy advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, and I'm here today
  • As we enter into another election season, immigrant communities across California are experiencing a
  • Families are hearing federal calls to send immigration enforcement to polling places.
  • Well, at the same time, ...send immigration enforcement to polling places, while at the same time, we're
Keywords: 988, house, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 3, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In coordination with President Trump, this Congress will give our border and immigration enforcement
  • Speaker, I rise today in defense of immigrant communities such as the one I come from and now proudly
  • Like so many others in our district, I'm a proud daughter of immigrant parents who came to the United
  • </c> onslaught of attack on our immigrant onslaught of attack on our immigrant communities<04:22:27.720
  • We can have secure borders without scapegoating immigrant communities and promoting xenophobia.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/23/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , which is SB 1055, an act amending Section 11-1051 of the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to immigration
  • Senate Bill 1055, an act amending Section 11-1051, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to immigration
  • So SB 1070 and existing statutes already strengthened the state's ability to enforce immigration laws
  • Because of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, undocumented immigrants and
  • immigrants without permanent status like DACA recipients are barred from access to most federal and state
Keywords: 1182, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Jan 29th, 2026 at 02:36 pm

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • of immigrants, or from mixed-status families.
  • I immigrated to this country with two children.
  • As immigrants, it is essential for us to go to work and to seek medical care.
  • I am very proud, like all immigrants, to contribute to New Mexico's economy.
  • Like all immigrants, I'm very proud to contribute to New Mexico's economy.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the near term, it's immigration, right?
  • We saw a huge surge in the state's labor force last year, almost entirely attributable to immigration
  • . ...a huge surge in the state's labor force last year, almost entirely attributable to immigration,
  • And then keep in mind that immigration buoys really the entire spectrum of the state's economy, right
  • I want to go further on this immigration headwind.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate. Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing. Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing. Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 31st, 2026

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an immigrant, and I've been organizing around budgets and different things with families, educators
  • We don't know how many have left due to immigration policy, but assumptions can be made based on these
  • We don't know how many have left due to the immigration policy, but assumptions can be made based on
  • The surge in federal immigration enforcement has led to a drop in enrollment of 1,678 BPS students in
  • We request funds be allocated to address statewide enrollment declines due to federal immigration action
Keywords: 1212, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Emergency rental assistance aid 3/16/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I fully appreciate that we have differences of opinion, many differences of opinion on federal immigration
  • My own mother-in-law is an immigrant and was afraid to leave her home during the height of Metro Surge
  • </c> immigration laws. immigration laws.
  • </c> My own mother-in-law is an immigrant My own mother-in-law is an immigrant and<00:26:18.840><c> was
  • </c> brown neighbors, to say that immigrants brown neighbors, to say that immigrants had<00:26:46.080
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our community includes Black, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, immigrant, multiracial people
  • Every single civil rights that we hold near and dear as an immigrant, as a woman of color, as anything
  • This is the same individual who started his campaign off with lies about immigrants.
  • The federal government does not pay for undocumented immigrants' health care.
  • Immigrants' health care.
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.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our community includes Black, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, immigrant, and multiracial
  • Every single civil right that we hold near and dear as an immigrant, as a woman of color, as anything
  • This is the same individual who started his campaign off with lies about immigrants.
  • The federal government does not pay for undocumented immigrants' health care.
  • Immigrants' health care.
Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through privileges of the floor to recognize several guests, including the St. Mary’s High School football team from Stockton for winning the 2025 state championship, Black-owned businesses honored by the California Legislative Black Caucus and California Black Chamber of Commerce, and students and guests visiting the Capitol. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading, and the Senate approved the journals and proceeded to the daily file. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services by a 33-0 vote. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 77, which condemned racist and dehumanizing imagery shared by President Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Numerous senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, framing the post as racist, dangerous, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization; one Republican senator objected to the resolution’s language and process but said racism should be condemned. SR 77 was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate then took up SB 106, a budget bill to create a one-time $90 million grant program to support family planning providers after federal cuts under H.R. 1 reduced reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Supporters said the measure would preserve access to reproductive and preventive health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents criticized the bill for secrecy, no-bid contracting, and prioritizing abortion-related services over other budget needs such as rural hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Assembly amendments were concurred in by a 26-9 vote. At the end of the session, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory, with Senator Choi offering a remembrance for Mitzi Ortiz, the city manager of Aliso Viejo, who died on December 22, 2025.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Mar 25th, 2025

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am an immigration attorney. speaking about that. So it's the same bill.
  • I am an immigration attorney. Thank you. My name is Margaret Wilson.
  • I am an immigration attorney in Orlando, Florida.
  • Immigrant family. We came from Cuba. I really want to say I worked every single job.
  • Immigrant family. We came from Cuba. I really want to see I worked every single job.
Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • What's not talked about often. is the 114,000 illegal immigrants who were booked into Texas jails over
  • And our crime records division identified over 11,000 illegal immigrants who have Texas-based criminal
  • To assist, we developed a top 10 criminal illegal immigrant list to offer rewards for citizen tips.
  • , a criminal illegal immigrant from Cameroon who was wanted for sexual assault out of San Antonio.
  • There's some agencies that aren't going to focus on immigration enforcement.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And next year, over 120,000 legal immigrants, such as refugees and asylees, will no longer be eligible
  • And so I'm trying to separate those that would naturally not enroll because either immigration status
  • I will also say we have great data on our immigrant community.
  • I will also say we have great data on our immigrant communities and the status that has allowed them
  • For example, who go out and they speak, I have a huge asylum, immigration, immigrant community, and they
Keywords: 988, house, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 26th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • One is illegal immigration, and in particular, the draw that illegal immigration has on the Idaho economy
  • establish that we recognize there's a significant draw on the Idaho economy because of illegal immigration
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter into 287(g) agreements. and Customs Enforcement to enter
  • also require law enforcement agencies, as they go about their business in Idaho, to verify the immigration
  • to the federal immigration authorities prior to the expiration of their sentence.
Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee met in a special session and introduced several measures focused largely on immigration enforcement and firearms policy. The committee introduced RS 33695, which would impose an excise tax on international money transfers and provide a tax credit for Idahoans; RS 33831, requiring local and county law enforcement to apply for and participate in ICE 287(g) agreements; RS 33832, the Refugee and Illegal Alien Accountability Act, which adds reporting and status-verification requirements and restrictions on unlawful harboring or transporting; and RS 33835, which would allow certain Idaho Department of Correction inmates with federal immigration detainers and final removal orders to be released to federal authorities before sentence completion, with an estimated state savings of $3.5 million. All of these RSs were moved to print without opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1430, which strengthens enforcement of Idaho’s firearms preemption law by creating penalties and a private cause of action against local governments that willfully violate state firearms statutes, while preserving existing authority for discharge ordinances and university rules. Support came from the NRA and the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, and the bill’s sponsors emphasized notice and an opportunity to cure before litigation. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 894, concerning open meetings, was presented as clarifying that members of the public may record open meetings by audio, video, or photographs, with exceptions for executive sessions and certain correctional and parole settings. It was advanced to the floor unanimously. House Bill 932, an advisory vote measure asking Idahoans to choose a favorite firearm from a list of historically significant guns, drew extended discussion and humor from committee members and was also sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. H.C.R. 36, a resolution honoring the Idaho National Guard and supporting modernization, including a transition from A-10s to F-16s and Army force-structure changes, was approved despite one member expressing reluctance about losing the A-10s. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 888, which would shift procurement of information technology services to the Office of Information Technology Services and allow use of third-party brokers or existing procurement channels. Testimony from the bill’s supporters emphasized faster procurement, cost savings, and centralized oversight, while the Office of Information Technology Services testified neutral but raised concerns about workload, transparency, and the need for clearer selection and appeals procedures. After discussion about rulemaking and safeguards, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 26th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • One is illegal immigration, and in particular the draw that illegal immigration has on the Idaho economy
  • that, you know, we recognize there's a significant draw on the Idaho economy because of illegal immigration
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter into 287(g) agreements... ...and Customs Enforcement to
  • detainer and have received a final order of removal from the federal immigration authority may be released
  • to the federal immigration authorities prior to the expiration of their sentence.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee met in a special session and introduced several immigration-related RSs and firearms-related bills, along with a National Guard resolution and an IT procurement bill. Senator Anthon presented RS 33695, which would impose an excise tax on international money transfers with a credit for Idahoans, RS 33831, requiring local law enforcement to seek and cooperate in ICE 287(g) agreements, and RS 33832, the Refugee and Illegal Alien Accountability Act, which adds reporting requirements, bars unlawful harboring/transporting, and requires immigration-status verification after arrests. Senator Den Hartog presented RS 33835, allowing certain Idaho Department of Correction inmates with federal detainers and final removal orders to be released to federal immigration authorities before sentence completion; all four RSs were moved to print without opposition. Senator Kaiser’s Senate Bill 1430, backed by testimony from the NRA and Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, would strengthen enforcement of state firearms preemption by creating penalties, injunctive relief, and an attorney-general notice-and-cure process for local governments that knowingly violate state firearms law; it was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 894, which clarifies that attendees at open public meetings may record by audio, video, or photographs, with exceptions for executive sessions and certain correctional/parole settings. House Bill 932, an advisory vote measure asking Idahoans to choose a favorite firearm from a list of historically significant guns, drew extended discussion and lighthearted testimony about the listed firearms before being sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Concurrent Resolution 36, honoring the Idaho National Guard and supporting modernization efforts including a possible transition from A-10 aircraft to F-16s and Army force-structure changes, was also advanced despite one senator voicing reluctance about the A-10’s retirement. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 888, which would shift procurement of information technology services under the Office of Information Technology Services and allow the office to use internal analysis, purchasing, or third-party brokers with fiduciary duties and transparency requirements. Supporters said the bill would speed procurement and save money, citing Nampa Police Department experience and potential statewide efficiencies; the Office of Information Technology Services was neutral but raised concerns about staffing, transparency, and appeals. After discussion of rulemaking and safeguards, the bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But there is a whole, ...They propose, including the treatment of our immigrant communities.
  • King helped pave the road forward, immigrants from every corner of the world, forward, immigrants from
  • As of the new year, immigration enforcement agencies reported that more than 328,000 arrests nationwide
  • He was with a stranger, with the immigrant.
  • Well, as he worked together with everyone regardless of their immigration status, we know he worked very
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.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 8th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you understand that your bill also affects lawful immigrants? It says it in your bill.
  • Your bill affects the rights of lawful immigrants, not undocumented, not illegal, but lawful immigrants
  • Your bill affects the rights of lawful immigrants, not undocumented, not illegal, but lawful immigrants
  • We are a nation of immigrants, and many of these immigrants come here seeking the American dream.
  • or on legal immigration pathways.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and received several announcements and recognitions before moving to legislation. Members honored the UTRGV chess team for winning a share of the 2025 President’s Cup, educator Jessica Lopez, the late Jennifer Maddenly, Jeanette Valdez Duran and Mobile Blessings from the Heart, TAMAC’s 50th anniversary, and journalist Bernardine Steptoe’s retirement. The chamber also adopted motions allowing committees to meet, setting a local and consent calendar, and suspending posting rules for a Public Health hearing on SB 2721. The House then considered a long series of Senate and House bills on third reading, with many passing by wide margins. Measures included SB 906 on Ysleta del Sur Pueblo peace officers; SB 1229 designating Veterans Memorial Highway; SB 855 on foster care medical costs; SB 703 on massage therapy licensing and trafficking protections; SB 1025 on tax-increase ballot language; SB 1119 on water park liability; SB 1080 on provisional occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions; SB 929 on lien deadlines; SB 1355 on liquor sales credit disputes; SB 2231 on fee waivers for college applications; SB 1877 on Public Utility Commission data access; SB 1998 on pediatric preceptorships; and several House bills on topics such as bond forfeiture notice, health workforce planning, civil commitment counsel, expunction of contempt records, consumer transactions, nuisance birds, theft venue, military grant applications, AI cancer-detection grants, cybersecurity contract language, military-related tuition, utility recovery mechanisms, psychedelic therapy studies, teacher retirement funding transparency, election procedures, juvenile parole eligibility, and more. Some bills drew notable debate or amendments. HB 200, creating a “second look” parole process for certain juvenile offenders after 20 years, prompted extended discussion about serious offenses and juvenile rehabilitation before passing 102-4. HB 2298 on AI-assisted cancer detection passed 85-62 after the sponsor emphasized “augmented intelligence” and physician oversight. HB 5247 on utility capital recovery saw a failed amendment to require ratepayer credits, then passed. HB 3045, a franchise tax exemption for spaceport operators, initially failed 73-74 but later passed after verification showed a 70-69 result. SB 2420, regulating app stores and mobile software distribution, was postponed for later consideration after substantial debate over age verification responsibilities. Several other measures were postponed, including SB 888, SB 552, SB 17, and SB 2420, while HB 1128 on election judges carrying concealed handguns passed 85-57 after a withdrawn point of order.