Video & Transcript : 'written agreement' :

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TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Business and Commerce Apr 1st, 2026

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for your excellent written testimony.
  • Chapter three, 13 agreements back in the Chapter three, 13 agreements back in the day and the tax burden
  • And your written testimony, you used the term Frankenstein networks.
  • And they see these co-location agreements as one way to do that. And that's great.
  • Vargas, you mentioned the growth in gas and in your written testimony.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 15th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • "Well, that's correct, and because they have meet-and-confer agreements. That's exactly right.
  • They're a different category because they don't have meet-and-confer agreements.
  • I have some written testimony. Senator Middleton, we're against your bill.
  • I've got some written testimony going out.
  • I have given you all written testimony.
Summary: The committee took up a long list of pending bills before moving to several bills on the day’s posting. It reported favorably SB 438, SB 512, SB 647, SB 648, SB 715, SB 758, SB 1964, SB 2121, SB 2145, SB 2167, SB 2330, SB 2349, SB 2443, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 1495, and SB 2268, with several of those adopted from committee substitutes. Some measures were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while others were reported to the full Senate. Votes on the pending-business bills were generally strong, though SB 715 and SB 2330 drew recorded opposition; SB 647 and SB 648 had one member present not voting because of confusion over the deed-related bills. A major discussion centered on SB 715, which would establish a reliability standard and penalties/incentives for generation resources. Senator Sparks said the committee substitute would avoid unfairly penalizing existing dispatchable generation, allow wind and solar to qualify through storage or backup power, give the PUC flexibility to set standards and phase in the program, and exempt switchable units. Critics raised concerns that it could raise consumer costs and destabilize the market, while supporters argued it would improve reliability. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 6-4. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2330, dealing with payroll deduction for association dues, where the author said the bill would end state involvement in dues collection except for first responders covered by meet-and-confer agreements. Members questioned why teachers and other employees were treated differently, and the bill was reported out 6-5. Other notable bills included SB 2864 on building-integrated photovoltaics, SB 1012 on sale of surplus state property, SB 2221 on fraudulent UCC filings, SB 1705 regulating cryptocurrency kiosks with licensing, transaction limits, fee caps, and a 72-hour hold, SB 1181 on combative sports licensing, SB 2586 on HOA transparency, SB 2075 as a TDLR cleanup bill, and SB 383 restricting offshore wind interconnection based on impacts to shipping, wildlife, and coastal interests. Several of these were left pending after testimony, with SB 1705 drawing both law enforcement support and industry concerns over the fee caps and limits.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Aging and Independence May 11th, 2026

Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I can submit written testimony in favor of this, or I can briefly go on.
  • Thank you for this opportunity, and I will submit written testimony.
  • Thank you so much, and we certainly will review all the written testimony. Mr.
  • DPH not to promulgate regulations governing RPs administering medications until we have reached agreement
  • But I think there's agreement also that there are things that can be done to strengthen it and create
Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on Senate 3057/House 5376, a bill to create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund and implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residence Commission. Supporters, including AARP and the state long-term care ombudsman, backed the trust fund for certification staffing, compliance reviews, investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, and appeals. The assisted living industry, represented by MassALA, supported the affordability task force and certified medication aides, but asked for amendments to expand career paths and to remove or limit fines as a funding source, arguing fines should be capped and tied to health or safety risks. The ombudsman emphasized the need for more staffing and resources, noting the current caseload and travel burden across the state. The committee also took testimony on Senate 3056/House 5243 concerning medication administration in rest homes. Rest home operators, MARCH, and LeadingAge Massachusetts opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would replace the long-standing responsible person model with a MAP-based framework or require more licensed nursing staff. They argued the current model has been used for decades, is safe and affordable, and is better suited to rest homes than MAP, which they said was designed for different settings. They urged the committee to preserve responsible person medication administration while improving training and oversight, and several witnesses asked for a task force or substitute language to study best practices rather than impose immediate regulatory changes. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works in practice, and whether other states use similar systems. Chair Stanley said the committee was still reviewing building code-related recommendations for assisted living and noted that those issues may require more time. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will be submitting written testimony with more detailed information.
  • And one last thing just to let you know that our office is also submitting written testimony regarding
  • The bill would also require blockchain analytics, written warnings.
  • As written, the Department of Banks has rulemaking authority to determine unlimited civil penalties,
  • Committee, you will have our written testimony, so I promise to be brief.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use. Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting. The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/9/25 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements.
  • non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements.
  • non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements.
  • non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements.
  • Non-compete agreements cause agreements.
Keywords: 1183, house
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/20/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you. 2026 is dispensed with and approved as written. Doctor of the Day. Dr.
  • Chairman, just agreements from all parties, so we are good to go. Thank you.
  • Unfortunately, the way SB 1315 is written does not make schools safer.
  • Members, I, as always, have concerns about SB 1315 as written.
  • Members, I, as always, have concerns about SB 1315 as written.
Keywords: 1182, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy Committee 3/11/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It prevents agreements that restrict to.
  • </c><00:59:37.200><c> between</c> group, we had strong agreement between group, we had strong agreement
  • </c><00:59:40.640><c> between</c> I'll say, uh, strong agreement between I'll say, uh, strong agreement
  • </c><01:05:26.720><c> for</c> the federal regulations are written for the federal regulations are written
  • </c> must also include a written transcript. must also include a written transcript.
Bills: HF3698 , HF3067 , HF3730
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Civil Law and Procedure Mar 30th, 2026

Civil Law and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm also in agreement with Representative... Okay, Vice Chair Larva Dane for a question.
  • I'm also in agreement with Rep.
  • And that's permissible as written. Right.
  • It mirrors the law to sign a matrimonial agreement. ...under certain circumstances.
  • It mirrors the law to sign a matrimonial agreement, a prenuptial agreement.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 718, which would limit liability for landowners who allow free use of private property for aeronautical activities at non-public airports. The author said the bill was modeled on Arkansas law and was intended to help private airstrips. After brief questions about fees and the effective date, the bill was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 134, dealing with material harmful to minors online, was then amended to clarify that interactive computer services may not deliver harmful material to minor accounts they created, while removing algorithm restrictions and cure language; it was reported as amended. House Bill 410, which would require notification before recording direct in-person conversations, drew substantial testimony. The author said the bill was aimed at privacy concerns raised by wearable AI devices and hidden recording tools, and the adopted amendments changed the measure from consent to notification and added exceptions for first responders, evidence preservation, civil or administrative proceedings, criminal matters, and recordings in one’s own residence. Supporters said the bill protected ordinary people from secret recordings, while opponents warned it could chill family-law recordings, citizen journalism, HOA disputes, and other legitimate uses. The bill was ultimately reported as amended. House Bill 318, which would reduce the presumption of paternity period from 300 days to 150 days, was heavily criticized by family-law practitioners and a law professor who said the current 300-day rule tracks gestation and that shortening it would shift burdens onto mothers; the author then voluntarily deferred the bill. A companion study resolution, HCR 19, directing the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the presumption of parentage, was reported favorably. The committee also heard House Bill 970 on competing custody orders. The author described cases where different courts issued conflicting custody rulings for the same child, but judges and attorneys raised concerns about the bill’s “earliest order controls” rule, its effect on out-of-state orders, protective orders, and the lack of a clear mechanism for judges to discover prior orders. After testimony from judges and committee discussion about possible fixes and a unified filing system, the bill was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 163, another private-airstrip liability bill, was reported favorably, and House Bill 170 and House Bill 194, both dealing with construction/design professional contracts and preemptive periods, were reported as amended or favorably after testimony that they would align design-professional rules with contractor rules and keep Louisiana projects under Louisiana law. House Bill 254, limiting acts of donation of motor vehicles to certain relatives and charities, was reported as amended after discussion about tax treatment and possible loopholes. Finally, the committee began House Bill 485, a proposed constitutional amendment declaring parental rights fundamental and subjecting government restrictions to strict scrutiny. Supporters argued it would protect parents’ authority over children’s upbringing, education, care, and control, while opponents said the language was overly broad and could complicate child welfare, public health, and school safety measures. The author said the amendment would not protect abuse or neglect and was meant to ensure government interference meets strict scrutiny, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the measure.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:31 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • This program is really months away from entering into that cooperative agreement.
  • This was essential for us to sign the agreements. We're very proud that they are in Texas.
  • And we submit it for our final approval process, and then we can sign the agreement.
  • There's a lot of things that I'm not in agreement with, and one of them being and I'll just be honest
  • Again, they have to pass written and field tests. They have to know what they're doing.
Keywords: 996, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WTL Public Hearing 04-11-2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I submitted written testimony.
  • I submitted written testimony.
  • Then we'll proceed with HCR 122, House Draft 1. written testimony support. written testimony support.
  • ><c> testimony</c><01:09:47.120><c> in</c> found that it's written testimony in found that it's written
  • </c> Management will stand on our written Management will stand on our written testimony<01:10:32.880
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Jan 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • A contract must be made with the United States for such agreement and entered into prior to the jail
  • I also feel strongly that local resources mustn't be commandeered without an agreement.
  • or staffing, Washington should require that those services be fully compensated through a formal agreement
  • This law, as it is written, would change the past.
  • Well, I may have written in the wrong number. I apologize. 5966, medically tailored meals.
Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • lists the cash price for the provider's 100 most common shoppable services and it provides... ...a written
  • We have agreed to remove much of the language on the prompt pay, and so that is part of the agreement
  • If you read the law now, it is not clear what we will do if this is all part of our agreement.
  • author of the bill for his willingness to work with us on this alternative language to come to an agreement
  • many did submit testimony, but I know many of the employees and the Employers have submitted both written
Committee: House Insurance
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/17/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • pass as originally written, who would enforce<00:42:38.480><c> it?
  • I'll um provide my written testimony. >> That would be great. Okay.
  • Um, I think the bill as written would effectively end step therapy.
  • So, we have problems with the language as it is written.
  • It appears that you statute is written.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Sep 23rd, 2025

Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Was there a statewide pricing agreement?
  • The statewide pricing agreement is only one mechanism.
  • Unique to them, they're statewide price agreements.
  • They have to be either a statewide pricing agreement participant.
  • I have a question about nondisclosure agreements.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (03/24/2026)

Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> the president have come to an agreement the president have come to an agreement on<00:18:31.919>
  • </c> could I please have your written could I please have your written testimony<00:46:30.640><c> for
  • And I believe he has submitted written testimony. I checked this morning.
  • And I believe he has submitted written testimony. I checked this morning.
  • Uh in that agreement, the Administrator.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • SAID IT WOULD BE FOCUSED TO HELP EACH SCHOOL FOCUS ON IMPROVING ITS CARE AND MAKING SURE THERE'S AGREEMENT
  • MEMBER FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT NOT JUST ON THE EVALUATION PROCESS OF THE NOMINEES BUT ALSO FOR HIGHER ED WRITTEN
  • REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 30 OF EACH YEAR THAT DETAILS THE INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS
  • CONTRACT FUNDS RECEIVED OR PAID PURSUANT TO THE CONTRACT AND TO FUND TRADITIONAL ROLES IN THESE AGREEMENTS
  • LET ME BREAK THAT DOWN, WE WANT TO HAVE MORE TRANSPARENCY WRITTEN WITH GREAT APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Keywords: 999, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Apr 22nd, 2026

Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • relative to the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, to provide for definitions, to provide for written
  • relative to the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, to provide for definitions, to provide for written
  • Amendment 7 clarifies how written notice shall be sent.
  • First, under federal regulations, cable providers must already provide at least 30 days' written notice
  • So the original agreement, the original contract you had was for $100.
Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Is that how this is written? And is that how it will happen? Thank you for the question.
  • Is that how this is written? And is that how it will happen? So thank you for the question.
  • I will say this morning while we were in session, we had an agreement between labor and the...
  • I will say this morning while we were in session, we had an agreement between labor and the industry.
  • So I will be updating that to the agreement between labor and industry.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of bills and resolutions, many involving taxes, education funding, health policy, and election rules. Representative Newton’s HB 1823, on the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency’s home-building activities, passed 10-0. Speaker Hilbert’s HB 2425, which would align Oklahoma election dates more closely with Texas and move some elections to March, passed 9-2 after debate about turnout and accountability. HB 4440, requiring Medicaid work requirements to track federal law, passed 10-2 amid discussion of chronic unemployment and the limits of changing Medicaid expansion because it is in the Constitution. HJR 1087, a major proposal to restructure the T-SET tobacco settlement trust and redirect funds toward higher education and related uses, passed 12-0 after extensive debate over venture capital investing, public health spending, and whether the trust should be modernized. The committee also took up several property-tax measures. HJR 1053 would create a revenue-neutral ad valorem framework, requiring local approval for increases beyond prior-year levels; it passed 9-2. HJR 1054 would exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxation, and after questions about scope and possible abuse it passed 9-2. HJR 1044 would lower the annual cap on growth in assessed value for homestead and agricultural property from 3% to 2%; it passed 9-2. HB 4145 would raise the homestead exemption from $1,000 to $7,000 and passed 9-1. HJR 1081 would freeze ad valorem taxes for qualifying seniors and passed 8-1. The committee also advanced HB 3891, a county commissioner pay bill, after title was struck and members discussed its impact on small counties; it passed 9-2. Other measures included HB 1770, directing an elk population study by Oklahoma State University, which passed 11-0; HB 1675, requiring youth camps to complete site-specific hazardous assessments, which passed 11-0; HB 3627, allowing the State Committee of Blind Vendors to meet by video conference due to quorum issues, which passed 11-0; HB 3472, expanding tire-recycling fund eligibility, which passed 10-1; and HB 1225, barring changes to the biological sex designation on birth certificates, which passed 8-2 after debate over medical, legal, and equal-protection concerns. The committee also advanced HJR 1019, a heavily amended proposal concerning party nominations for general elections, after striking title and narrowing the scope to federal, state, and county races; it passed 8-1 with two not voting. HB 3462, updating plumbing licensing law and aligning exam standards with other trades, passed 9-0 after title was struck to accommodate further negotiations.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance (01/20/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:25:21.679><c> the</c><00:25:22.159><c> $16</c> written, it just appropriates the $16 written,
  • Now, we do have agreements with all the communities on various aspects of the project, but the typical
  • </c><00:39:42.720><c> is</c><00:39:43.040><c> it</c> but what the way this is written is it but what
  • the way this is written is it will<00:39:43.520><c> allow</c><00:39:43.760><c> the</c><00:39:44.000><
  • I have written testimony and a handout about SNAP in New Hampshire. >> Tell them right there. >> Oh,
Committee: Senate Finance
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, the chief immigration officer must approve any termination of the agreement.
  • agreement with the 287G right there.
  • The chief immigration officer must approve the termination of any such agreement. Senator Ingoleum.
  • I'm going to read something to you that was written by President John Thrasher.
  • We're going to be limiting these 287(g) agreements to our jails. But I'm not as optimistic.
Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of an amended joint proclamation expanding the Legislature’s immigration agenda. The proclamation added items calling for financial penalties for government officials, enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement in enforcing federal immigration law. The chamber then took up the special order calendar, beginning with Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill. Most of the meeting was devoted to debate and questions on the strike-all amendment to SB 2B. Sponsor Senator Gruters described the bill as a broad immigration enforcement package aligned with President Trump’s agenda. He said it would require greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities, strengthen participation in the 287(g) program, create a chief immigration officer and council, authorize financial penalties for noncompliance, provide bonuses for officers assisting ICE, and direct information-sharing with federal agencies. He also said the bill would bar DHSMV from issuing licenses or ID cards to unauthorized aliens and would end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Berman, Osgood, and others questioned the scope of the bill, whether it would affect schools, churches, cities, nonprofits, and green-card holders, and how the 287(g) provisions would work in practice. Gruters repeatedly said the operational focus was on jails and detention facilities, not street-level enforcement. A major point of controversy was the bill’s proposed mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of certain capital offenses. Senator Fine said the covered crimes were the most serious capital felonies, including murder, child sexual battery, destructive-device offenses causing death, and certain trafficking offenses, and argued the provision was intended to withstand constitutional challenge. Senator Pizzo raised Eighth Amendment concerns and questioned whether the bill could mandate death sentences. The tuition waiver provisions also drew extended debate: Fine said the state would save about $41 million by ending discounted tuition for undocumented students, while Democrats argued the savings would not return to general revenue and that the policy would harm students who are already enrolled. Fine and Gruters said green-card holders would not be affected and that the bill targeted only students in the country illegally. The discussion also covered appropriations and implementation. Senator Smith asked about the bill’s large funding levels, and Fine broke down the spending as including $375 million for the chief immigration officer, $100 million in grants to local law enforcement, $29 million for the new Office of State Immigration Enforcement, and $10 million for an unauthorized-alien transport program. Gruters said the funds would reimburse local governments and help address staffing shortages, while critics questioned the lack of benchmarks and the fiscal impact. No final vote or disposition on the bill appears in the transcript excerpt.