Video & Transcript : 'Islamic Republic' :
Page 5 of 229
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- ; with those respecting the dignity of work; with those serving our Constitution and serving our republic
- I pledge allegiance... ...to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
- Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and generosity.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/05/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- Imam Tahir Kukaj, Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, Staten Island, to deliver today's invocation. >>
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, who offered remarks about gratitude, diversity, and support for Kosovo’s independence. The Journal was approved, and the chamber then took up several previously adopted resolutions, including Resolution 1516 commemorating the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence and Resolution 1317 honoring the Stillwater Girls Varsity Soccer Team and Head Coach Christine Ihnatolya for winning the NYSPHSAA Class C state championship. Both resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors were authorized to seek additional co-sponsors.
The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures on environmental conservation, education, public health, civil service, penal law, public service, labor, and a retroactive real property tax exemption for the Silver Lake Foundation. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew recorded no votes from a small group of senators. Senator Fahy explained her vote on a bill renaming an OASAS scholarship in honor of Father Peter Young, emphasizing his work on addiction, incarceration, and homelessness.
Two items drew extended debate. On Calendar 141, Senator Walczyk appealed the chair’s ruling that an amendment to a public service bill was nongermane; the Senate voted 21 to overrule the chair, so the ruling stood, and the bill then passed 52-6. On Calendar 213, Senators Kavanagh and Borrello debated a food-safety bill concerning disclosure of certain food ingredients and chemicals; supporters said it would improve transparency and protect children’s health, while opponents argued federal action was already underway and a national standard would be preferable. After the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar, it passed 56-2. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days as legislative days.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- North Star Elementary school is an Islamic faith-based school located in my district, city of Hayward
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Ideological initiatives, such as the Islamization of Knowledge project, reinforced cohesion and led to
- the creation of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, to serve a growing prominent Muslim
- Leaders established the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) as an umbrella coordinating MSA-derived
- The second group is the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
- Those three organizations were the Holy Land Foundation, Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), and
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- Eid is one of the most holy days in Islam, marked by prayer, reflection, charity, and community, and
- Affairs and Usama Mukadame, legislative and government affairs director for the Council on American Islamic
- I currently serve as the Legislative and Government Affairs Director for the Council on American Islamic
- Islam teaches that with difficulty comes ease.
- I'm Hasina Bahram, program coordinator at Salam Islamic Center, and I'm here to support AB 2017.
Committee:
House Governmental Organization
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/26/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- So, the Islamic Center of Minnesota, the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the Jewish Community Relations
- So, the Islamic<00:54:16.000><c> Center</c><00:54:16.240><c> of</c><00:54:16.400><c> the</c><00:54:16.480
- ><c> Minnesota,</c><00:54:17.119><c> the</c> Islamic Center of the Minnesota, the Islamic Center of the
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-05 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- we're being asked to make a finding that all those awful things are inherent to the ethical code of Islam
- Let's not single Islam out.
- But the strength of our republic has never depended on elevating one religion above others.
- But it also means that no religious law, whether the Christian canon law, the Jewish Torah, or the Islamic
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several guest recognitions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up a series of claims and relief bills, including SB 6 for L.E. against DCF, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, and later other measures such as child welfare, public records, and professional licensing bills. Most of these bills were explained by sponsors as targeted fixes or relief measures, and several were substituted with identical House bills before final passage. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable on these items, including unanimous or near-unanimous approvals on the claims bills and education-related measures.
A major floor debate centered on CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new framework for large-scale planned developments on at least 15,000 acres with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a structured path for long-term growth and development, while opponents from both parties warned it was too vague, could undermine local control, and lacked enough specificity on conservation, infrastructure, and land-use protections. After extensive debate, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 21 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 556 on Special Olympics as a PE substitute for students with disabilities, SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, SB 758 on the Justice Administrative Commission, SB 830 creating public-records exemptions for certain local officials and their families, SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 914 on dry needling by occupational therapists, and SB 1002 on child welfare and parental drug abuse.
Another lengthy and contentious discussion involved CS/CS/SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles, which included provisions on foreign law, domestic terrorist designations, and restrictions on public support for designated organizations. Senators debated an amendment to remove references to Sharia law; that amendment failed. A second amendment with broader revisions and notice procedures was then taken up, with questions focused on notice, appeal rights, and the designation process. The transcript ends during that amendment discussion, before final disposition is shown. Throughout the session, many bills were substituted with identical House companions and then passed by recorded vote, often with strong bipartisan support.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they name do not teach Sharia.
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they named do not teach Sharia law. Check our curricula.
- In mixing up the categorization of Sharia and Islam and Islamic schools and the whole idea of ideology
- In mixing up the categorization of Sharia and Islam and Islamic schools and the whole idea of ideology
- My name is Omar Maselle, and I'm a senior at an Islamic school.
Summary:
The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment.
The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- we're being asked to make a finding that all those awful things are inherent to the ethical code of Islam
- Let's not single Islam out.
- But the strength of our republic has never depended ...and community.
- But the strength of our republic has never depended on elevating one religion above others.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law.
The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option.
The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia Mar 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Council on American Islamic Relations is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization in
- The Council on American Islamic Relations is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization in
- mosques, Muslim burial practices, Islamic schools, and civil rights organizations like CARE itself.
- And in Congress, five bills aimed at banning Islam were introduced by sitting federal officials.
- And in Congress, five bills aimed at banning Islam were introduced by sitting federal officials.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia Mar 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Council on American Islamic Relations is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization in
- The Council on American Islamic Relations is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization in
- Texas and Florida governors have publicly claimed to ban Sharia, targeting Islamic centers, proposed
- mosques, Muslim burial practices, Islamic schools, and civil rights organizations like CAIR itself.
- aimed at banning Islam were introduced by sitting federal officials.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses.
Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting.
Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting.
No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I will now recite a few verses from the Islamic Holy Book, the Holy Quran.
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Federalism and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as the General Counsel and the Civil Rights Director for the Council on American Islamic Relations
- Thomas Isaac, Islamic Cultural Center, Community Center of Tempe.
- Thomas Isaac, Islamic... If you would, please give your name for the record and who you represent.
- Thomas Isaac, Islamic Community Center of Tempe.
- We enhance the public's understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, ...straightforward.
Committees:
Senate Federalism and Family Law , Senate Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference
Keywords:
constitutional convention, faithless delegates, state delegates, oath of office, class 2 felony, civil penalties, parent-child relationship, termination of parental rights, child welfare, court procedures, abandonment, neglect, reunification services, felony conviction, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they name do not teach Sharia.
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they named do not teach Sharia law. Check our curricula.
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they named do not teach Sharia law. Check our curricula.
- In mixing up the categorization of Sharia and Islam and Islamic schools and the whole idea of ideology
- My name is Omar Maselle, and I'm a senior at an Islamic school.
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin and supporters said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but helps law enforcement and prosecutors establish gang-related connections for warrants and sentencing enhancements. Senator Smith raised concerns about the lowered threshold for being observed with gang members and possible unintended impacts on business owners and others; Martin said the language was not intended to cover ordinary business interactions and that a gang tattoo must be one used by the gang. After an amendment aligning the Senate bill with the House version was adopted, the committee reported CS/SB 536 favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 762, which allows chief judges to assign capital conflict cases across regional counsel offices, with an amendment requiring judges to consider judicial economy and geographic proximity. Testimony from regional counsel emphasized projected long-term savings, estimated at about $150 million over 10 years. The committee then approved CS/SB 1742, creating a new indecent exposure offense involving sexual conduct directed at minors, and CS/SB 1750, which increases penalties for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses; both bills were amended before passage, with law enforcement groups appearing in support.
The committee next took up SB 1582, which creates statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions without creating a new state-run database, while preserving confidentiality protections and law enforcement access. An amendment was adopted, and pawnbroker and recycling stakeholders testified in support. The linked public records bill, SB 1792, creating an exemption for those transaction records while allowing certain information to be released to alleged owners, was also reported favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 500, which provides FDLE protective security details to major party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices after primary certification and until the general election is resolved; a technical amendment was adopted, and the bill was described as mirroring federal candidate protection practices.
The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would bar Florida courts from enforcing foreign or religious law in a way that overrides the U.S. or Florida constitutions and would create a process for designating foreign or domestic terrorist organizations, with related consequences for schools, funding, and student conduct. Senator Grall said the bill is intended to protect constitutional principles and target violent, criminal conduct rather than protected speech or religious practice, and she explained that designations would follow a public process with judicial review. Senators Smith and Polsky pressed repeatedly on First Amendment, due process, vagueness, and academic-speech concerns, asking how “promotion” would be defined and whether students, attorneys, or advocacy groups could be swept in; Grall said she was open to clarifying language but maintained the bill is aimed at furthering illegal acts, not mere opinion. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, warning it could be used to target Muslim students, religious communities, advocacy groups, and political dissent, while a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1632, with no final committee vote shown in the excerpt.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - Senate Federalism
Senate Federalism Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- These bills are based on ignorance of Muslim religious practices and are driven by anti-Muslim and Islamic
- portraying Sharia as a foreign or political threat, these bills advance a baseless narrative that Islam
- The court concluded that by singling out Islam for unfavorable treatment, the law violated the Establishment
- Efforts to single out Muslims and to advance the ugly idea that anything Islamic is un-American is unjust
- Efforts to single out Muslims and to advance the ugly idea that anything Islamic is un-American is unjust
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- woman who fled Iran after converting to Christianity, a crime punishable by death under the brutal Islamic
- regime Artemis converted to Islamic regime Artemis converted to Christianity<00:05:42.479><c> in</c>
- The beautiful Republic of Bulgaria. I yield back.
- The Republic is in crisis. Republicans, wake up. I yield back.
- The Republic is in crisis. Republicans, wake up. I yield back.
Keywords:
fencing, youth development, underserved communities, athletics, Peter Westbrook, scholarships, academic achievement, SNAP, nutrition assistance, contingency funds, government shutdown, hunger prevention, vulnerable populations, federal funding, condolences, aviation safety, transportation disaster, victims support, first responders, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- You know, one of the many things that binds our Islamic and Jewish communities are the discrimination
- You know, one of the many things that binds our Islamic and Jewish communities are the discrimination
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities.
The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote.
On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The state flag of the Soviet Union of Socialist Republics can be flown.
- testimony regarding the intent of this statute, that there was concern about the Shahada flag, the Islamic
- And to be clear, what that language is—and I'm not meaning to attack anybody of Islamic faith, but just
Committee:
House State Affairs
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- My school is connected to a big Islamic organization that has been up and running since 1976.
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they name do not teach Sharia.
- The two Tampa Islamic schools they named do not teach Sharia law. Check our curricula.
- In mixing up the categorization of Sharia and Islam and Islamic schools and the whole idea of ideology
- My name is Omar Maselle, and I'm a senior at an Islamic school.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The second group I'll talk about is the Council on American Islamic Relations, which is CAIR.
- Yes, that organization that they created as a result of that meeting was the Council on American Islamic
- This is my ninth year teaching in Islamic schools in Florida, Missouri, a choice I've made because the
- And out of the five, three of them made it very public on Twitter that they are attacking Islamic education
- , Islamic schools.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with several probate, civil rights, and claims measures. Senators Burgess’s SB 326 on curators of estates was explained as a modernization of probate law; an amendment narrowing the bill was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably 10-0 after limited public testimony, including opposition from Ray Contreras. Burgess’s SB 1096, clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, also passed unanimously 11-0. The committee then approved several claims bills, including SB 28 for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, SB 6 for a child injured after DCF’s handling of abuse allegations, SB 18 for the estate of McKenzie Navarre against the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata against FDOT, and SB 2 for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV, with votes ranging from 10-1 to 11-0 and mostly no debate or opposition.
The committee also took up trust and family-law related bills. Leader Berman’s SB 786 created a nonjudicial process for closing uncontested trusts and discharging trustees; after a technical amendment and testimony from Ray Contreras raising notice concerns, it passed 11-0. President Gates’s SB 50 expanded veterans’ courts statewide, drew broad support from veterans’ groups and advocacy organizations, and was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Simon’s SB 538 standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and homeschool students; after multiple amendments on homeschool eligibility, fees, and coach compensation, it passed 11-0 with support and opposition from education-related groups. President Gates’s SB 1004, aimed at consumer protections in the sale of dogs and cats, also passed unanimously after testimony from humane organizations.
The committee then considered broader policy bills. President Pro Tem Brodeur’s SB 1366 on claims against the government proposed raising sovereign immunity caps and adding CPI adjustments; local government, hospital, and school representatives supported the Senate’s lower-cap approach while warning against the House version, and the bill was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Jones’s SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, as amended, would let head coaches provide limited personal support to student-athletes and require reporting of assistance; it passed 10-0. Senator Grohl’s SB 1178 on foreign influence and foreign countries of concern drew extensive supportive testimony from national security witnesses and was reported favorably 11-0 after a technical amendment and withdrawal of another amendment. Finally, SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles prompted substantial debate and public testimony over domestic terrorism designations, Sharia law references, due process, and free speech concerns; the committee had not yet completed final action on that bill when the transcript ended.