Senate Session 26-02-18 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a morning invocation led by Senator Jeremy Moss, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The secretary confirmed the presence of 19 members, establishing a quorum. Minority Floor Leader Lowers requested to excuse several senators from the session, which was granted. Majority Floor Leader Singh also moved to excuse additional senators and to suspend rules to allow special guests on the Senate floor, both of which were approved. The Senate then stood in recess, during which Majority Floor Leader Singh introduced guests from the MSU College Democrats. The session resumed with acknowledgments of staff retirements, including Lynn Rambo from the Senate Business Office and Linda Scott from the Senate Fiscal Agency, both recognized for their years of service. A moment of silence was held for Clint Moreland, a staff member who recently passed away. The meeting included a light-hearted moment as Majority Floor Leader Singh announced Leader Brinks' birthday, inviting senators to enjoy cupcakes in her honor. The Senate proceeded to the introduction and referral of several bills, including Senate Bills 786, 787, 788, and 789, as well as House Bills 4077 and 4078, all of which were referred to their respective committees. During the Committee of the Whole, the Senate discussed and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 492 and advanced House Bills 4077 and 4078 for further consideration. Majority Leader Singh then moved to proceed to statements, where he addressed concerns about a street gang's activities in his district and criticized the expansion of ICE operations, linking it to increased violence and instability in communities. He highlighted the negative impact on local law enforcement and the targeting of families by ICE, citing specific cases and recent headlines that raised concerns about human rights abuses within ICE facilities. The meeting concluded with Majority Leader Singh moving to adjourn, which was approved, and the Senate was set to reconvene on February 19th at 10 a.m.